Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term data of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair’s growing fibers. When taken from the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month observation period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, tricky to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for analysis. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" covers all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in lab testing of a drug sample include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a specimen into the laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial swift check for substance misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly means to dismiss drug usage for most specimens, a positive result needs validation to be deemed valid in legal settings. Any samples showing possible positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a specimen test tentatively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is among the more challenging methods to conduct.
Any positive screening findings undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Bunker Hill, KS, surpasses traditional urine tests with its superior detection capabilities and accuracy. Hair tests offer extended detection windows, capturing a broader history of drug use, which is advantageous for employers enforcing drug-free workplace policies.
Urine tests, while common, lack the long-term insight that hair follicle tests provide. The reliability and comprehensiveness of hair tests are invaluable when assessing an individual’s substance use history over an extended period.
In Bunker Hill, KS, hair follicle testing presents an extended detection window, revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This feature offers employers a thorough view of an individual's substance use history, enabling informed hiring and employment decisions.
Employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of potential or current employees' substance patterns benefit from the long-lasting detection period that hair follicle testing offers, providing unparalleled insight into drug use history.
Hair follicle testing in Bunker Hill, KS, stands out for its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly curtails the likelihood of sample manipulation, offering truthful and reliable results that can be trusted by employers and legal systems.
The integrity of hair follicle samples ensures that the results remain unaltered, thus providing assurance to parties who rely on these outcomes for critical decision-making, eliminating concerns related to sample tampering.
Bunker Hill, KS, benefits from convenient nationwide testing locations, making drug testing accessible and hassle-free. With centers strategically placed nationwide, testing services are always within easy reach, simplifying the process for all involved.
The local and nationwide availability of testing centers ensures swift access to services, enabling individuals and employers to obtain testing without unnecessary delays or complications, promoting convenience.
In Bunker Hill, KS, the hair follicle testing procedure is simple and confidential. From order placement to receiving results, the entire process prioritizes privacy, addressing any privacy concerns users might have while maintaining ease of use.
The straightforward nature of the hair testing process ensures confidentiality is respected, giving individuals and employers confidence in both the privacy and simplicity of their testing experience.
Bunker Hill, KS, offers affordable hair follicle testing services coupled with rapid result delivery. The competitive pricing structure ensures excellent value for organizations, large or small, looking to secure accurate drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle tests are not only priced competitively but also provide quick turnaround times, enabling companies to make timely and informed decisions, effectively balancing cost with quality and reliability.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Bunker Hill, KS, is unparalleled. They ensure rapid, accurate results, detecting substances with high precision. This method’s accuracy makes it a preferred choice for those prioritizing reliable outcomes.
The state-of-the-art technology involved in hair follicle testing facilitates swift processing of samples, making it an ideal selection for timely and exact results, appreciated by employers and legal bodies alike.
Employers in Bunker Hill, KS, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. This method aids in minimizing legal liabilities while fostering a safer, more secure working environment.
The compliance hair follicle testing offers is invaluable for employers, ensuring adherence to regulations and contributing to a drug-free workplace, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety and integrity.