Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term archive for alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. By collecting hair near the scalp, it offers a potential detection period of around three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, the possibility of tampering is minimal, and it is easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug testing result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of a sample's integration into a laboratory’s system. It includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not provide.
During Screening, there’s an initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is economically efficient for dismissing drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be legally acceptable. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
For a sample deemed presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug testing is particularly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive specimens are cleansed as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 compliance.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The debate between hair follicle and urine testing is often settled by looking at accuracy and reliability. In Wakefield, NE, hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of detection capability. While urine tests are standard, hair testing offers superior accuracy, unaffected by recent cleansings.
Employers benefit from the extended detection window that hair testing provides. In contrast, urine tests may not reveal occasional or past substance use, making hair testing the more thorough and trustworthy choice for ensuring workplace safety.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Wakefield, NE, is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long window allows employers to assess an individual's full substance history, far beyond the scope of traditional testing methods.
Understanding a pattern of use helps employers make informed decisions about hiring or retaining employees. This expanded detection window ensures that any past drug use, even if not recent, is thoroughly documented, supporting a safer and more responsible workplace.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Wakefield, NE, ensures that the results are trustworthy and reliable. Unlike urine tests, which can be subject to manipulation, hair samples are difficult to adulterate, offering a robust defense against false negatives.
This resistance to tampering is a key benefit for those concerned about the integrity of the testing process. The secure collection methods and inherent resistance make it nearly impossible to cheat, providing a dependable solution for substance monitoring.
Accredited Drug Testing makes it simple for residents of Wakefield, NE, by offering convenient testing locations nationwide. Regardless of where you're situated, our centers are accessible and efficient, ensuring prompt service.
This network of testing facilities simplifies the logistics of hair testing, making it hassle-free and straightforward. Our commitment to accessible testing empowers individuals and employers to uphold their drug-free initiatives with minimal effort.
In Wakefield, NE, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering and completing your test is straightforward, ensuring user-friendliness and respect for privacy.
Test results are delivered with minimal hassle, maintaining discretion and efficiency throughout the process. This ease-of-use reassures individuals wary of invasive procedures, supporting a smooth and stress-free testing experience.
Affordability and quick turnaround are hallmarks of our hair follicle testing services in Wakefield, NE. We offer competitive pricing that suits businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value without sacrificing quality or speed.
Our fast processing ensures that results are promptly returned, aiding in quick decisions for employment and compliance purposes. By choosing our services, companies save both time and resources while maintaining high standards of testing.
The hair follicle drug test provides fast, accurate, and reliable results, making it a top choice in Wakefield, NE. Ensuring high precision, this testing method quickly detects traces of substances, providing results that employers and individuals can trust.
With its rapid processing time, hair testing enables timely decisions, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment. It can accurately identify ongoing substance use patterns, thanks to its advanced technology, offering peace of mind to all stakeholders.
For employers in Wakefield, NE, choosing hair follicle testing offers both compliance and peace of mind. It aligns with stringent workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks while promoting a safe work environment.
Employers can reduce potential liabilities and emphasize safety by selecting this reliable testing method. Hair testing contributes not only to legal compliance but also to a culture of accountability, ensuring that all team members operate under the same safety standards.
