Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, offering a long-lasting record of substance use. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer up to nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for tests and confirmations. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages in the lab procedure of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This encompasses ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entries omitted by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening consists of a primary rapid check for substances of abuse. Screening is an economical method to disregard drug use in the majority of instances; however, a positive screen needs ratification to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that presumptively test positive in Screening do necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tentatively tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to why hair drug screening is the most complex technique to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Arma, KS
In a head-to-head comparison, hair follicle tests clearly surpass traditional urine tests. The enhanced detection window allows for identification of drug use long after ingestion, offering a more thorough overview. Employers can count on the accuracy and reliability of hair tests, alleviating concerns about false negatives or tampering that are more prevalent in urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Arma, KS
Hair follicle testing provides a remarkable detection window reaching back up to 90 days. This extensive period covers a broad swath of time, offering employers insight into the extended behavioral patterns of employees or applicants. This assurance in Arma, KS, means decisions are based not just on recent history, but comprehensive substance use behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Arma, KS
With the hair follicle method, the risk of sample adulteration is highly minimized. The observed collection process ensures that results are decisive and tamper-proof, granting assurance of accuracy. Hair testing in Arma, KS presents an unfaltering level of confidence due to its resistance to manipulation, making it a trusted choice for substance detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Arma, KS
With centers strategically positioned nationwide, accessing testing services in Arma, KS is both swift and hassle-free. Our widespread network of testing locations ensures that no matter where you or your staff are situated, obtaining a hair follicle test is as convenient as possible, offering seamless and efficient options for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Arma, KS
The entire process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is streamlined and confidential. Concerns regarding privacy and the ease of use are prioritized at every step, ensuring peace of mind from start to finish, in Arma, KS. This commitment to discretion means results remain secure and between trusted parties.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Arma, KS
Our competitive pricing structure and rapid turnaround times deliver excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Affordable hair testing in Arma makes maintaining workplace standards both economical and efficient, assuring that quick results do not come at a premium, but offer significant savings and timely insights.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Arma, KS
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them an outstanding choice for identifying substance use. Hair testing offers unparalleled accuracy, ensuring confidence in the results. Rapid processing means that employers and individuals can count on timely feedback, helping make informed decisions swiftly and efficiently. In Kansas, reliability and speed go hand in hand with thoroughness.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Arma, KS
Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining workplace compliance and ensuring adherence to drug-free policies. Such rigorous testing methods reduce legal vulnerabilities and bolster workplace safety, providing peace of mind to employers in Arma. This reliable approach cultivates a secure and supportive working environment.
