Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it is capable of offering up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the sample being entered into the lab's system. This process includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a quick initial assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples that show presumptive positives in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
For samples that are presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Burden, KS, offers distinct advantages over urine testing. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it the preferred choice for many. Unlike traditional urine tests, it can reveal long-term drug use, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment.
Employers and professionals value this testing method for its extended detection period, which far surpasses that of urine tests. Hair follicle tests provide greater insight into an individual's substance use history, making them a more effective deterrent.
In Burden, KS, hair follicle testing stands out with an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive assessment of drug use over time. This extended tracking period helps employers gain deeper insight into an individual's history.
The long-term detection capability of hair follicle tests is unparalleled, allowing for a thorough evaluation without the short-term limitations present in other testing methods, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Burden, KS, residents appreciate hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant qualities. The method’s design significantly reduces the opportunities for sample adulteration, ensuring that outcomes are both reliable and trustworthy.
The robustness of hair follicle tests minimizes the potential for fraudulent activities, providing stakeholders with assurance and confidence in the results they receive, which is crucial for fostering trust in the testing process.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including in Burden, KS, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. This wide-reaching network ensures that testing is both accessible and convenient for all.
Our extensive locations mean fast and easy access to services, eliminating obstacles to obtaining the necessary testing and ensuring that clients receive efficient and effective testing solutions.
In Burden, KS, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, performing, and receiving test results are straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use.
Every step of the testing process prioritizes confidentiality, giving individuals the assurance that their personal information remains private while also ensuring that obtaining and understanding results is seamless.
In Burden, KS, we offer competitive pricing on hair follicle testing, coupled with a fast turnaround. This combination provides value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, making it an attractive choice.
Our affordable pricing structure, along with the rapid delivery of results, ensures that we meet the needs of companies seeking both cost-effective and timely solutions for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
In Burden, KS, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their precision and speed. This testing method offers high accuracy, efficiently detecting substance use and catering to the needs for fast and reliable outcomes.
The meticulous nature of these tests ensures that results are not only delivered swiftly but also maintain high accuracy. The capability to produce fast, accurate outcomes strengthens the trustworthiness of these tests, benefitting both employers and individuals.
Employers in Burden, KS, gain peace of mind and ensure compliance by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thus mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety.
The reliability of hair follicle tests allows companies to uphold their drug-free policies with confidence, reducing potential legal challenges and protecting the well-being of the workforce.
