What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can present an observation window of up to roughly three months for detecting alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. The use of a jewelerâ€™s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The main four steps in a lab's process for yielding a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This procedure involves confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening serves as a cost-efficient way to discount drug presence in most samples, a conclusive Screening result requires validation to qualify for legal proceedings. Samples that test preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate a confirmatory test.

For samples testing positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and conditioned for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are distilled from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence why hair drug screening is a challenging methodology.

Validation of any positive screening outcome involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to validation as necessary. The complete laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is appraised under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection window: Hair drug checks can identify drug use for durations up to 90 days, unlike urine checks which offer a shorter timeframe.
Resistance to manipulation: It is challenging to compromise a hair drug test, ensuring higher accuracy of the results.
Offers historical insights: Enables observation of drug usage trends over time, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to show up in hair.
Expense: Generally costlier than other drug evaluation techniques.
Result variations: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Tops Urine Testing in Thedford, NE

Hair follicle testing offers a significant edge over traditional urine tests. It stands out for its superior detection ability and accuracy.

The detection window for a hair test is notably longer, offering insights over a 90-day period compared to the shorter window of urine tests.
Urine tests might miss intermittent drug use, where hair tests provide a comprehensive history.

Extended Detection Window

With Extended Detection Window, hair follicle testing in Thedford, NE allows detection of drug use up to 90 days prior.

This method provides employers with an extended timeline to evaluate substance use, offering a detailed overview of an individual’s drug habits.

Employers gain better insights into consistent patterns of drug use.
It’s beneficial for making informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Thedford, NE greatly diminishes sample manipulation.

Hair follicle testing is designed to provide unquestionable results, as it’s highly resistant to tampering.

Unlike urine tests, hair testing is not susceptible to dilution or substitution.
This ensures that the results reflect true substance use habits, aiding in accurate policy enforcement.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Enjoy Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and local services in Thedford, NE.

Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to testing centers nationwide, making the process smooth and hassle-free.

Quick access ensures swift collection and minimizes time away from work.
Local availability removes barriers and supports community needs with efficient service delivery.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Thedford, NE is Simple and Confidential, ensuring ease of use and privacy protection.

Ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results are streamlined for user convenience.

Privacy is maintained every step of the way, easing concerns about sensitive information.
Clients have the assurance that their data remains confidential and secure during testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing offers Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Thedford, NE.

Competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value, while quick turnaround times allow businesses of all sizes to benefit.

Our pricing supports diverse organizational budgets, providing quality testing services that don't compromise on speed or accuracy.
Rapid results delivery supports timely decision-making and operational efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Thedford, NE are unparalleled. These tests rapidly deliver precise results, detecting substance use with a high level of accuracy.

Why is this important? Because timely and accurate data is crucial for informed decision-making in workplace safety and compliance.

Timely results can make the difference in critical employment decisions.
Accuracy ensures that the data employers work with is reliable and actionable.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Thedford, NE is paramount.

Employers using hair follicle testing ensure adherence to drug-free policies, which lowers legal risks and boosts workplace safety.

This testing method supports maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
Peace of mind for employers means knowing they are within legal bounds and safeguarding their workforce.