Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands capture biomarkers, offering a lengthy record of substance use as the hair grows. When retrieved from near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol intake for a period of up to 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and is easy to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, optimal for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advised. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent mass of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into the lab system. This process includes checking that the sample remains sealed correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, confirmation is required for a positive screen to be court-admissible. Samples that test positive in Screening must undergo further verification.
Should a sample register as positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Positively screened results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is assessed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in Cannelton, IN
Hair testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Its advanced detection capabilities ensure that even past drug use is discovered, making it a superior method for accurate results. Urine tests, while useful, cannot match the extensive detection period provided by hair tests, which can track drug use for up to 90 days. This long window presents a more complete overview of an individual's substance history.
Furthermore, hair tests are almost tamper-proof, reducing the risk of manipulation that can occur with urine samples, ensuring that the results are both authentic and dependable. Thus, hair follicle testing becomes an invaluable method for drug detection.
Extended Detection Window in Cannelton, IN
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their capacity to reveal drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection window surpasses traditional methods, delivering a thorough view of an individual's substance habits and ensuring a complete analysis over time.
This expansive timeframe is crucial for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace, as it enables a detailed understanding of an employee's or applicant's past behavior. The ability to detect long-term usage is a significant advantage over other testing methods, providing peace of mind.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cannelton, IN
Hair follicle drug tests are incredibly tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the chances of sample fraud. This robust testing method ensures the authenticity of results by eliminating manipulation possibilities that might occur with other types of samples.
The integrity of hair follicle tests makes them a highly trustworthy method, leaving no room for doubt regarding the authenticity of results. This reliability equips employers with clear, unmistakable data, crucial for maintaining rigorous drug-free policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Cannelton, IN
Accredited Drug Testing offers easily accessible services across numerous locations nationwide, including Cannelton, ensuring quick and convenient testing. These centers provide a streamlined experience, reducing hassle and delivering efficient service to meet any testing needs.
The vast network of testing centers means that individuals and companies can easily locate a nearby facility. This convenience is key to facilitating smooth procedures for drug testing, making it a trouble-free process for all parties involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cannelton, IN
We ensure that the process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results from hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and respects privacy. Our system prioritizes confidentiality, ensuring ease of use while keeping personal information protected.
This approach addresses common concerns around transparency and accessibility, providing a user-friendly experience. By maintaining confidentiality, we foster trust in our methods, ensuring all dealings are private and efficient.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cannelton, IN
Our competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes. We prioritize delivering high-quality tests swiftly, allowing companies to make informed decisions without delay.
The combination of affordability and prompt results ensures that companies can maintain efficient operations without breaking the budget. This balance is designed to provide peace of mind and significant benefit to any organization employing our services.
Accuracy and Reliability in Cannelton, IN
Hair follicle tests stand out for delivering fast and accurate results. Their precision in detecting even the smallest traces of substances makes them a reliable choice for drug testing. These tests not only offer high accuracy but also provide quick results, making them essential for environments where timely information is crucial.
The swift response of hair follicle drug tests gives employers confidence in the results, ensuring that decisions regarding employment or compliance can be made with complete assurance in their validity. Their reliability is unmatched, offering a dependable tool for maintaining a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cannelton, IN
Utilizing hair follicle drug testing is an effective way for employers to uphold workplace drug-free policies, ensuring adherence to regulations and minimizing potential legal complications. This form of testing reassures employers about the safety and drug compliance of their workforce.
By encouraging a zero-tolerance approach, companies can promote a safer, more productive environment. Hair follicle tests provide clear and unambiguous results, empowering employers with solid groundwork for compliance and peace of mind.
