Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a robust approach for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-term evidence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of a developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system may lack.
Screening provides a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage for most samples, any positive outcome needs confirmation to be valid in court. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in New Pekin, IN, offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection window, hair tests provide a more thorough assessment of substance use over the recent months.
In New Pekin, IN, hair follicle testing is advantageous for its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use over a period of up to 90 days. Employers gain a detailed view of an individual's long-term substance use history, enhancing decision-making.
The risk of sample tampering in drug testing is significantly reduced with hair follicle methods in New Pekin, IN. The observed collection process and the resilient nature of hair samples result in reliable and indisputable outcomes.
Convenience is a key benefit of our hair follicle testing services, with accessible locations nationwide and in New Pekin, IN. Our network enables quick and easy access to testing facilities, minimizing disruption for employers and individuals.
The hair follicle testing process in New Pekin, IN, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the focus is on privacy and simplicity, addressing common concerns about the intrusiveness of drug testing.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in New Pekin, IN, offers excellent value. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from affordable testing solutions, ensuring quick and confident drug screening.
Hair follicle drug testing in New Pekin, IN, stands out for its precision and speed, delivering fast and reliable results. Hair tests can accurately detect a wide range of substances, providing comprehensive insights into an individual's drug use.
Hair follicle testing in New Pekin, IN, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety, employers gain peace of mind while maintaining a secure working environment.
