Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. By taking samples close to the scalp, hair can indicate substance use for periods of up to roughly 3 months. It is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A specimen of 1.5 inches from approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or testing that exceeds 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is advisable to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a corresponding amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample integration into the lab’s system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entries missing from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-effective approach to predominantly identify non-usage, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in legal contexts. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples that are presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this phase, substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than observed in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is duly reviewed adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Over Urine Tests in New Munster include better detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair tests have a longer detection window.
This longer window and reliability make employers and authorities more inclined towards hair testing, ensuring comprehensive and accurate results.
Extended Detection Windows of up to 90 days provide a formidable advantage in New Munster. This extended period gives employers insights into an individual's substance history.
Therefore, hair follicle testing provides a broader understanding of an individual's substance use over time.
Hair Follicle Testing: A Tamper-Resistant Solution offers New Munster a reliable method for sample collection. Such tests significantly reduce adulteration risks, ensuring results are dependable and unquestionable.
This method is preferred for its ability to maintain integrity and reliability in drug testing processes.
Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in New Munster offer unparalleled convenience. Our centers are strategically positioned to facilitate seamless drug testing experiences.
Testing services are accessible, thus providing convenience and hassle-free engagement.
Simple and Confidential Process ensures privacy in New Munster. Ordering, taking, and receiving results involves ease and confidentiality, making the process streamlined and discreet.
Our system guarantees data privacy, catering to individual concerns empathetically.
Affordable Testing and Fast Turnaround in New Munster ensures competitive pricing and swift results. Companies of all sizes benefit from the value and efficiency offered.
Quick turnarounds coupled with affordable rates establish a balanced, cost-effective testing service.
Fast and Reliable Hair Follicle Testing in New Munster offers unmatched accuracy in substance detection. This method is recognized for its speed and precision, ensuring accurate results quickly.
High Accuracy is a leading feature, making hair follicle testing preferable in precision-sensitive scenarios.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for New Munster employers includes embracing hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks.
Such compliance enhances workplace safety, providing a serene environment for operations.
