Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term indicators of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers in the hair strand as it grows. When sourced close to the scalp, it can reveal substance use over a 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing is comprised of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system, which involves verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive finding necessitates confirmation for court use. Samples that test presumptively positive demand additional verification.
For samples with presumptive positives in the Screening phase, additional hair is procured from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, the extraction process retrieves drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly complex to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptively positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation as required. The extensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lake Dalecarlia, IN
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. This approach provides a broader scope of detection, identifying substances over extended periods.
Employers and legal entities favor hair testing due to its dependable and robust results, minimizing the chances of tampering or incorrect readings.
Extended Detection Window in Lake Dalecarlia, IN
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window, capturing drug use over a duration of up to 90 days. This comprehensive overview benefits employers looking to understand a candidate or employee’s substance history effectively.
The extended timeframe of detection makes it a preferred choice for ongoing monitoring and assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lake Dalecarlia, IN
The resilience of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering, offering results that can be trusted and verified. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the results.
Organizations value the method's robustness, reinforcing the accuracy of substances detected.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lake Dalecarlia, IN
With testing sites nationwide, our centers provide swift, straightforward, and hassle-free access to drug testing services for companies and individuals. Locally in Lake Dalecarlia, IN, the convenience of our centers ensures timely testing to meet all requirements.
The expansive network of testing sites guarantees optimal accessibility for everyone.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lake Dalecarlia, IN
The process of ordering, undertaking, and receiving results is streamlined and confidential, addressing privacy concerns efficiently. It ensures ease of use, making the experience stress-free for all involved.
This undisclosed process reassures participants, focusing on simplicity without sacrificing the thoroughness of testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lake Dalecarlia, IN
Our competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for companies regardless of size, providing excellent value. Fast results contribute to informed decision-making while maintaining budget consciousness.
This offers remarkable peace of mind, balancing cost-effectiveness with reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lake Dalecarlia, IN
Hair follicle drug testing boasts quick and dependable results, ensuring high precision in recognizing substance intake. This method provides confidence through accurate readings, proving to be an efficient solution for all testing needs.
The expedient processing of hair tests delivers timely results, supporting urgent decision-making without compromising accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lake Dalecarlia, IN
Hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks. This method enhances workplace safety by ensuring reliable detection of substance use.
Employers achieve peace of mind knowing that their drug testing methods meet industry standards and protect workplace integrity.