Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a historical indicator of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can deliver a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is easy, difficult to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screens exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be an option, a comparable volume of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage where a sample is incorporated into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipping were intact, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes data entry not present in a digital chain of custody record.
Screening serves as an initial quick test for drug presence. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court validity, and any samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For presumed positives from Screening, hair is retrieved from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair analysis a challenging methodology.
Any positive screen is verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples deemed presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation as warranted. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wolbach, NE
Hair tests offer a superior advantage over traditional urine tests due to their increased detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing is nearly tamper-proof and covers a larger detection window, providing a more comprehensive view of individual substance usage.
Extended Detection Window in Wolbach, NE
Hair follicle testing outshines alternatives by providing a detection window that lasts up to 90 days. This extended timeframe allows employers to better assess an individual's historical substance use, offering a broader understanding of potential risks associated with their habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wolbach, NE
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This ensures that results are both reliable and unquestionable, boosting confidence in the testing process and outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wolbach, NE
Our network of nationwide testing centers ensures that accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free. With convenient locations, including Wolbach, NE, individuals and employers can easily utilize our services without disrupting their schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wolbach, NE
The process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, from ordering to receiving results. Our straightforward approach ensures ease of use while maintaining privacy, addressing common concerns about confidentiality during the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wolbach, NE
We offer competitive pricing coupled with fast turnaround times, ensuring exceptional value and peace of mind for companies of all sizes. This makes hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wolbach, NE
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision, delivering quick and accurate results regarding substance use. These tests stand out due to their high accuracy in spotting even long-term substance use. With such reliability, they are an optimal choice for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with drug policies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wolbach, NE
By employing hair follicle testing, employers can guarantee compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also fosters a safer work environment, providing peace of mind across the organization.