Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of alcohol and other drugs. Hair offers a comprehensive record by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for roughly three months. Hair samples are easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch length of around 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both preliminary screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional tests, or if more than 10 panels are required, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent mass of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other forms (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in a laboratory mainly involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes its initial integration into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry missed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive finding during screening requires confirmation to be court-acceptable. Samples that test presumptively positive during screening need an additional confirmatory test.
Should a sample be found presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional material is extracted from the initial hair collection for further processing. During Extraction, drug compounds are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other testing methods (such as urine or saliva), establishing hair drug screening as the most challenging technique.
Confirmation of any positive findings from the screening process involves using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite common references to "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Testing Prevails over urine testing in Burdett, KS, lies in its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests not only offer enhanced accuracy but also provide a broader window of detection. This reliability makes them an ideal choice for employers and courts looking to maintain drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Windows enable comprehensive views into substance history, especially in Burdett, KS. Hair follicle tests allow employers to detect drug usage over an extended period, up to 90 days, offering a more thorough assessment of an individual’s consumption habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Methods are crucial in maintaining the integrity of test results. In Burdett, KS, hair follicle tests are near-impenetrable to adulteration, ensuring that the results provided are both accurate and trustworthy, safeguarding against dishonest attempts at manipulation.
Accessible Testing Locations Nationwide, including in Burdett, KS, provide comprehensive and convenient testing solutions. Our extensive network of centers ensures smooth and hassle-free access to required drug testing services, simplifying processes for both organizations and individuals.
Simple and Confidential Processes are vital for conducting drug tests in Burdett, KS. Our straightforward approach ensures the privacy and ease of individuals while obtaining, executing, and receiving test results, addressing common concerns around confidentiality and simplicity.
Affordable Pricing with Quick Turnaround highlights our commitment to value and efficiency. In Burdett, KS, we offer competitive pricing structures and fast result delivery, providing companies of all sizes with cost-effective and reliable drug testing solutions.
Fast and Accurate Results are vital in substance testing, and in Burdett, KS, hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched precision. These tests offer high accuracy, ensuring reliable detection of substance use, making them an indispensable tool for employers and professionals nationwide.
Achieving Compliance and Peace of Mind through hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free policies, reducing legal concerns and promoting workplace safety. In Burdett, KS, employers benefit not only from compliance but from fostering a secure and healthy working environment.
