Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands offer a prolonged record of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can indicate a detection window spanning up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. It is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to alter, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, it is advisable to gather 150mg of hair. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for ensuring the correct weight. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial or axillary.
Process Overview
The drug testing protocol in the lab consists of four sequential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about initiating the sample into the lab’s framework. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipment integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry missing from an electronic custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary examination for drugs. Though it is a cost-effective technique to potentially exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive outcome must be confirmed for legal admissibility. All samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo an additional confirmation.
For samples with a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging procedure.
Confirmation for any positive in Screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary preparations, like washing presumptive positive samples, are performed before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation for ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Valparaiso, NE
In Valparaiso, NE, hair follicle testing significantly outperforms traditional urine tests. Known for its precise detection capabilities, hair testing presents a much more reliable picture of substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Valparaiso, NE
One of the most compelling advantages of hair follicle testing in Valparaiso, NE, is its extended detection window. With the ability to trace drug use up to 90 days prior, employers gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Valparaiso, NE
The security of hair follicle tests in Valparaiso, NE, ensure reduced risks of tampering. This advanced testing protects the integrity of the collected sample, delivering results that are both dependable and irrefutable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Valparaiso, NE
Our Valparaiso, NE clients benefit from the convenience of our nationwide testing network. This ensures swift, straightforward access to testing services without any hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Valparaiso, NE
The process in Valparaiso, NE for hair testing is designed to be simple and confidential. Clients can take transactions with ease from ordering the test to receiving their results, always maintaining privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Valparaiso, NE
In Valparaiso, NE, we offer competitive pricing for quality hair follicle testing services. Companies, irrespective of their size, can experience value and assurance through our rapid result delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Valparaiso, NE
The swiftness and precision of hair follicle drug tests make them an ideal choice for those in Valparaiso, NE. With superior accuracy levels, these tests proficiently identify substance use, ensuring that you receive results that are trustworthy and timely.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Valparaiso, NE
In Valparaiso, NE, businesses adopting hair follicle testing find enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal exposure and fosters a safer working environment.
