Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Considered an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive view of substance use history by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window for alcohol and other substances of up to approximately three months. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands of hair (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (face, underarms, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into the laboratory's system, ensuring it was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally permissible. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in methods such as urine or oral fluids, explaining why hair drug screening is one of the more challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Venango, NE
Hair follicle testing has distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Venango, NE.
Extended Detection Window in Venango, NE
For detecting drug use over lengthy periods, hair follicle testing in Venango, NE, is unparalleled. It offers up to a 90-day detection window, providing employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance habits. This extended period ensures no recent activity is overlooked in the evaluation process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Venango, NE
In Venango, NE, hair follicle tests stand out for their resistance to tampering. The method's design minimizes risks of sample adulteration, rendering results trustworthy. Thanks to observed collection procedures, the likelihood of manipulation is greatly decreased, giving users confidence in the findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Venango, NE
Our extensive network of testing centers, including locations in Venango, NE, offers unmatched convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Venango, NE
Hair follicle testing in Venango, NE, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are streamlined to stress ease and discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Venango, NE
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Venango, NE, provides excellent value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Venango, NE
Hair follicle drug testing in Venango, NE, is known for swift and reliable results. The precision of this method is unrivaled, accurately detecting substance use and giving clear insights into an individual's history. Efficient processing ensures results are delivered promptly without sacrificing accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Venango, NE
Hair follicle testing in Venango, NE, ensures employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks.