Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust means for detecting the use of alcohol and drugs. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand, hair provides a long-lasting record of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for various substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A specimen of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) cut close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is perfect for both screening and confirmation. For analyses like EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the hair sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair is an acceptable alternative. "Head hair" exclusively refers to "scalp hair." "Body hair" includes other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary step in integrating a sample into the lab's framework. This process ensures that the sample was securely packaged and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening provides an initial assessment for substance abuse. It serves as a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug use in numerous samples, but any positive findings require confirmation for legal acceptance. All samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. Drugs obtained in this step are at considerably lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screenings is performed using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that test presumptive positive are cleaned before Confirmation as needed. The overall lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine testing in Elgin, NE? Simple. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests have a longer detection window, making them ideal for assessing drug use over an extended period. The higher accuracy ensures peace of mind for employers who enforce strict drug-free policies.
One of the standout aspects of hair follicle testing in Elgin, NE, is its extended detection window. It provides a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug history, detecting substances for up to 90 days. This long-term insight is invaluable for employers who need to assess the substance habits of applicants or current employees effectively.
In Elgin, NE, the reliability of hair follicle tests lies in their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other types of testing, the method significantly reduces the likelihood of adulteration, delivering trustworthy results. This means employers and agencies can be assured of the validity of the test results without concerns of manipulation or deception.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that residents of Elgin, NE, and beyond can access services without hassle. Local facilities offer quick, easy, and efficient testing processes, accommodating the needs of individuals and businesses seamlessly, no matter where they're located.
The hair testing process in Elgin, NE is both simple and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and result retrieval, each step respects the individual’s privacy while ensuring ease of use. This approach addresses common concerns about confidentiality and convenience, making the process user-friendly.
Elgin, NE clients benefit from the affordable pricing and fast turnaround of hair follicle tests. Competitive pricing structures ensure great value, while speedy results provide peace of mind for companies of all sizes. It's a solution that balances cost-effectiveness with timely information delivery.
In Elgin, NE, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed. Compared to other methods, they provide an accurate picture by detecting substance use over time. Hair testing stands out with its ability to deliver fast and reliable results, ensuring that individuals and employers can make informed decisions without unnecessary delay or uncertainty.
For Elgin, NE employers, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. By adopting this testing method, employers are better positioned to adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety. It's an investment in a secure working environment.
