Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting substance use. Hair serves as a repository documenting longer-term substance consumption, capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it offers around a 3-month detection period for substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, manipulating it is somewhat challenging, and transporting is hassle-free.
A sample of hair about 1.5 inches long and comprising roughly 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for preliminary and confirmatory analyses. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and/or those surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's beneficial to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be procured. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. All other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary) are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The four critical steps in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. It confirms the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entries missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drugs. While it's a cost-efficient way to exclude substance use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that test positive initially necessitate further confirmation.
If results are presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair from the sample is retrieved and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations unlike other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair testing presents a complex challenge.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as required. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually examines the hair strand itself and not the root beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jasper, IN
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy and reliability. The longer detection window and resistance to adulteration make it a preferred choice for employers seeking dependable drug test results.
Extended Detection Window in Jasper, IN
One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period, which can cover up to 90 days. This ability to reveal prolonged drug use provides a thorough overview of an individual’s substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jasper, IN
Hair follicle tests significantly decrease the chances of sample tampering, delivering reliable and indisputable results. This method adds a layer of security and trust in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jasper, IN
With testing centers spread nationwide, accessing our services is quick, easy, and hassle-free, providing convenience whether you're local to Jasper, IN, or elsewhere.
Simple, Confidential Process in Jasper, IN
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jasper, IN
We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for companies of all sizes while providing confidence in our efficient service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jasper, IN
Hair follicle drug tests provide exceptional accuracy and speed in detecting substance use. Known for their high precision, these tests ensure reliable results, making them an indispensable tool in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jasper, IN
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safer work environment for all employees.
