Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oak, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. By sourcing hair near the scalp, it allows detection of up to a 3-month span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.

Collecting a 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types such as facial or axillary.

Process Overview

The four principal stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is about the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. It involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary inspection for substances of abuse. Although Screening is economical for negating drug use for most samples, any positive results need confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive results in Screening is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests reveal drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely tough, rendering the results more reliable.
• Supplies historical data: It can show a drug usage pattern over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Recent usage undetectable: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are usually pricier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Attributes like hair color and individual growth rates can influence the level of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test itself analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oak, NE

• Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests.
• The reliability of hair analyses makes them an excellent choice for screening purposes.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Oak, NE

• Hair follicle testing can detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days.
• This extensive detection window provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oak, NE

• Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration.
• They provide results that are both reliable and difficult to question.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oak, NE

• Our extensive network of testing centers offers quick and easy access to services.
• Experience hassle-free testing with our nationwide and local locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Oak, NE

• Our process for ordering, testing, and result retrieval is straightforward and confidential.
• We address privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oak, NE

• We offer competitive pricing structures with quick turnaround times.
• Our services provide excellent value and reassurance for companies of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oak, NE

• The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use.
• These tests help ensure rapid and dependable outcomes for various testing requirements.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oak, NE

• Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
• This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and enhances workplace safety.

Drug Testing Near Oak, NE

Hebron, NE

Superior, NE

Fairfield, NE

Thayer, NE

Hardy, NE

Shickley, NE

Deweese, NE

Carleton, NE

Deshler, NE

Ong, NE

Edgar, NE

Davenport, NE

Ruskin, NE

Nora, NE

Angus, NE