Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a timeline of alcohol and other drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When obtained near the scalp, the hair offers a detection window of up to around 90 days for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in the analysis of a drug test result in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample into the laboratory's system, which includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal acceptability. Any samples marked as presumptively positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive outcome in Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are separated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other testing methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing exceptionally challenging to execute.
Confirmation of a positive result from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with a presumptive positive status undergo cleaning before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards for hair and certified to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Almena, KS
Hair follicle testing outclasses traditional urine tests with superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests cover a short detection window, hair analyses offer an extended period, capturing comprehensive substance usage history. This reliability ensures that tests are both difficult to cheat and accurate, making them the ideal choice for discerning employers.
Extended Detection Window in Almena, KS
One of the greatest advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to uncover drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This extended window empowers employers in Almena with insight into a potential hire’s or employee's drug history, thus facilitating informed hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Almena, KS
The process of hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant solution, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. By collecting samples through an observed procedure, the potential for deceptive practices is significantly reduced, ensuring results are trustworthy and uncontestable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Almena, KS
With testing centers spread nationwide and locally in Almena, accessing hair drug testing services is hassle-free. This convenience ensures employers and individuals can easily and quickly fulfill their testing requirements without geographical constraints, ensuring efficiency and ease.
Simple, Confidential Process in Almena, KS
Our process for conducting hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are designed to protect privacy, ensuring that participants feel secure about the confidentiality of their information, while still gaining access to crucial drug use data.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Almena, KS
With competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services deliver excellent value for businesses of all sizes in Almena. This combination of affordability, speed, and reliability offers companies peace of mind and a great return on their investment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Almena, KS
Hair follicle testing in Almena offers unparalleled precision and speed. This method accurately detects a variety of substances, providing results that you can trust. By using advanced analysis techniques, hair tests ensure high precision in identifying drug use, making them the go-to choice for accurate substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Almena, KS
Implementing hair follicle tests ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safer work environment. This method not only meets regulatory standards but also contributes to a culture of trust and responsibility, providing peace of mind to employers and enhancing corporate integrity.
