Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has garnered a reputation as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands can trap biomarkers within their growing fibers, offering a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs over an extended period. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. The sample collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of specimen is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair covers all other types like facial and axillary.
Process Overview
There are four principal phases in processing a drug test in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system, which includes checking the sample's proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data input missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug presence in numerous samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples testing presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. At this stage, the extraction from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Testing
In Underwood, IN, hair follicle testing offers clearer, more reliable insights than standard urine tests. Hair testing captures drug use over extended periods while also preventing sample tampering. Coupled with the convenience of hair sample collection, it emerges as a notably superior approach.
The advantages include a longer detection timeframe and resistance to adulteration, ensuring consistent and dependable outcomes.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing boasts a remarkable detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window offers a comprehensive analysis of substance use, ideal for employers wishing to understand an employee's drug history thoroughly.
In Underwood, IN, employers gain a broad view of applicants’ or employees’ substance habits, supporting informed hiring or retention decisions. Its duration ensures no stone is left unturned.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes risks associated with sample tampering. By design, it offers a highly reliable and tamper-proof solution. Its integrity lies in the difficult adulteration of hair samples, providing credible results.
In Underwood, IN, this method's resilience against manipulation offers peace of mind to all stakeholders relying on meticulous drug testing reports.
Nationwide and Local Accessibility
Our testing facilities are conveniently located nationwide, including Underwood, IN. Accessibility is key to ensuring easy and swift testing availability for all clients, making the process seamless and hassle-free.
The ease of reaching our numerous testing centers guarantees timely access to essential testing services right when they're needed.
Simplified, Private Process
In Underwood, IN, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. It guarantees ease from ordering to receiving results, addressing any privacy concerns clients may have.
We are committed to making the entire experience straightforward, ensuring that each step remains uncomplicated while maintaining the privacy of all participants.
Economical and Timely
Offering competitive pricing, our hair testing services provide great value paired with a quick turnaround. This ensures companies of all sizes in Underwood, IN, can avail themselves of affordable solutions without compromising quality.
The combination of cost-effectiveness and prompt service delivers tremendous value, maintaining high standards with efficiency.
Fast and Reliable Results
The hair follicle drug test is renowned for its fast and reliable outcomes. Unlike other methodologies, hair testing provides accurate insight into substance use, assisting in making informed decisions.
With precision and speed, hair testing detects drug use effectively. This method stands out with the ability to deliver results swiftly and accurately, providing confidence in testing integrity.
Ensuring Compliance and Assurance
Adopting hair follicle testing in Underwood, IN, reinforces workplace drug-free policies. This not only reduces legal exposure but also enhances overall safety.
Employers enjoy peace of mind knowing that they're leveraging a testing approach that prioritizes compliance and security, safeguarding their corporate environment.
