Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of substance use by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When acquired from near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, with a low risk of tampering, and transportation is manageable.
An ideal specimen, weighing 100mg, can be gathered from a 1.5-inch portion of about 200 strands of hair (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp. To include EtG, supplementary tests, or checks beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for measuring the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first processed into a laboratory’s system. This phase involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and inputting any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Though it is a cost-effective means for eliminating drug usage across most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated to be court-admissible. Samples that screen positive on a preliminary basis need additional confirmation.
If a sample returns positive in the Screening phase, further hair is culled from the original specimen and re-prepared for Extraction. This stage extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening results is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. Throughout, the lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Henderson, NE
In Henderson, NE, the advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests are clear. Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests cover recent substance use, hair tests provide a broader overview, detecting drugs from a longer timeframe, up to 90 days, offering a more comprehensive assessment for employers and legal entities alike.
Extended Detection Window in Henderson, NE
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, observing drug use over up to 90 days. In Henderson, NE, this allows employers a fuller insight into an individual's substance use history. While urine tests might capture recent activities, hair testing covers a more significant history, indicating patterns of use that are pivotal for informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Henderson, NE
In Henderson, NE, hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. Its design makes it almost impossible to tamper with, ensuring the reliability of results. This tamper-resistant nature provides health professionals and employers the confidence that results are valid and trustworthy, minimizing doubts and enhancing decision-making processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Henderson, NE
Our presence throughout the nation and in Henderson, NE, simplifies access to hair testing. With a widespread network of centers, individuals and companies find it easy to reach our locations. This convenience means testing is quick and hassle-free, streamlining processes for efficient, timely results, benefiting both local and national clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Henderson, NE
The confidential process for hair follicle testing in Henderson, NE, is straightforward and secure. From the ordering phase to obtaining results, it emphasizes privacy. This aspect is crucial in allaying concerns about personal data protection, ensuring ease of use while securing sensitive information, thus building trust among all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Henderson, NE
In Henderson, NE, our competitive pricing and quick turnaround for hair follicle testing offer excellent value. Companies benefit from our efficient service, as it meets quality testing needs at a reasonable cost. Our approach guarantees results are delivered swiftly, ensuring minimal wait times and maximizing satisfaction for businesses of any size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Henderson, NE
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. In Henderson, NE, this method is highly accurate in detecting substance use, ensuring reliable results. With a faster turnaround compared to other methods, it is favored by those who need efficient and exact outcomes. Clients can depend on this testing for thorough and fast results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Henderson, NE
Deploying hair follicle testing in Henderson, NE, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It minimizes legal risks and fosters a secure environment. This method gives employers peace of mind, as it aligns with stringent regulations and assures them of genuine, non-compromised test outcomes, maintaining workplace integrity and safety.