Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer an extensive history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can present nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
An ideal hair sample should consist of about 200 strands (the approximate width of a #2 pencil) measuring 1.5 inches from the scalp, yielding 100mg for effective screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond ten, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If no scalp hair is present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in lab processing of a drug testing result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the sample's initiation into the lab's system, with tasks like verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as a preliminary check for drug presence. While it's an economical option for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be substantiated for legal acceptance. Any sample presumed positive in Screening proceeds to secondary confirmation.
Should a sample point to positive status in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted and prepped for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than with alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is particularly challenging.
Verification of any positive Screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The full lab process, spanning Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand beyond the scalp-rooted follicle.
Why is hair follicle testing superior to urine testing in Blocher, IN? Hair tests provide a more reliable detection rate and greater accuracy. Where urine tests have a narrower detection timeframe, hair tests reveal a broader history of substance use, unaffected by short-term abstinence, providing thorough historical insight.
One of the defining advantages of hair follicle testing in Blocher, IN, is its extended detection window. It allows for the identification of drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This extended period offers employers a clear and comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Hair follicle testing is notably tamper-resistant, particularly advantageous in Blocher, IN. It mitigates the risks of sample adulteration, thereby ensuring results are both reliable and beyond contestation. This security makes such tests a preferred choice for many organizations and legal bodies.
With convenient locations nationwide, testing via hair follicle tests in Blocher, IN, is streamlined and accessible. Our network of centers ensures that testing services are quick, hassle-free, and nearby, catering to the needs of individuals and organizations alike.
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential in Blocher, IN. From ordering the test to receiving the results, privacy is prioritized, making it a stress-free experience. This confidentiality alleviates concerns and increases participant comfort.
Our services in Blocher, IN, offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This affordability ensures that companies of all sizes can access quality testing services without financial strain, while still receiving prompt results.
In Blocher, IN, hair follicle testing is renowned for delivering fast and precise results. Its high accuracy rate in identifying substance use ensures reliability and effectiveness, offering peace of mind for all stakeholders involved. Speed in obtaining results is another key factor that sets this testing method apart from others.
Employers in Blocher, IN, find assurance in hair follicle testing due to its ability to help maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing the legal risks associated with substance abuse, it supports a safer and more secure work environment.
