Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage for nearly a 90-day period. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A specimen measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hairs (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" refers to all other hair types (such as facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test is carried out in four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This stage involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary quick examination for drug presence. While it serves as a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court acceptance. Samples suggesting positivity in Screening demand further confirmation.
In cases where a sample indicates positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug screening being a challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized for the Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. Before Confirmation, all samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is evaluated in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing excels in Buffalo, KS, by offering longer drug detection times than urine tests.
Advantages include:
Such comprehensive insights are invaluable, especially for employers and legal personnel dedicated to maintaining zero-tolerance policies.
Hair follicle testing in Buffalo, KS, provides an extended detection window, unparalleled by other methods. By analyzing up to 90 days of substance use, it offers a comprehensive review of an individual's history. This wider timeframe is particularly useful for employers evaluating prospective hires or current employees, providing clarity and confidence in hiring decisions.
In Buffalo, KS, hair follicle testing is a robust tamper-resistant method, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, which can be tampered with, the integrity of hair samples remains intact. The method provides reliable and unquestionable results, serving as a cornerstone for accurate substance use evaluations.
Such reliability is vital for employers, the legal system, and substance abuse professionals seeking a trusted testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing provides a convenient network of testing centers, including local sites in Buffalo, KS. Ease of access ensures that individuals and companies benefit from quick and hassle-free testing. Whether nationwide or local, our centers offer streamlined services, enhancing the efficiency of hair follicle testing access and ensuring prompt test conduction.
The process of hair follicle testing in Buffalo, KS, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is maintained throughout. Our user-friendly process ensures peace of mind, alleviating concerns related to substance testing. Confidential handling of results guarantees personal security and trust in each step, making the experience seamless for all parties involved.
In Buffalo, KS, our hair follicle testing is lauded for being affordable with fast turnaround times. By prioritizing competitive pricing and efficiency, we cater to companies of all sizes seeking value and rapid results. Our quick processing ensures minimized waiting periods, offering a strategic advantage in maintaining workplace compliance and reducing disruptions.
In Buffalo, KS, hair follicle tests are celebrated for their fast and reliable results. Precision is key; these tests accurately identify substance presence with minimal delay. With quick sample processing, test results are available within days, offering a blend of speed and exactitude. The efficiency aids both employers and individuals eager for timely and reliable outcomes.
Unlike traditional testing methods, hair tests provide high accuracy in substance detection. Their ability to pinpoint drug use effectively supports workplace safety and personal accountability. Buffalo companies favor these tests not only for speed but also for the trustworthy data rendered, making them a cornerstone for substance abuse evaluations.
Employers in Buffalo, KS, find peace of mind using hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing the threat of legal challenges and enhancing safety. By detecting substance use over extended periods, employers can uphold strong policies and create a safer, more productive work environment, securing business interests while caring for employee well-being.