Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged chronicle of alcohol and other drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can deliver approximately a 3-month frame for drug and alcohol detection. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 strands of hair (resembling a #2 pencil’s diameter) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Referring to head hair indicates scalp hair only. Other body hair pertains to all else (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab analysis of a drug test sample include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data entry not available through an electronic custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. While it is an economical method to negate drug presence in most samples, a positive screening must be corroborated to be valid in legal settings. All samples that show an initial positive in Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a preliminary positive in Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Any confirmed positive findings from Screening go through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS for Confirmation. Each presumptive positive sample is cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Burr Oak, KS, hair tests stand out for their superior detection accuracy. They reveal a broader range of drug usage over time which urine tests can miss. This makes hair testing a more reliable option, especially for organizations needing to enforce drug-free environments or for legal purposes.
Hair follicle testing in Burr Oak, KS offers the advantage of an extended detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days prior. This long-term detection capability provides a detailed overview of an individual’s substance use, aiding employers in making informed decisions regarding potential hires or current staff members.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Burr Oak, KS significantly reduces the potential for test manipulation. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests offer an almost tamper-proof method of substance detection, ensuring the results are accurate and trustworthy for all parties involved.
With convenient testing centers located Nationwide and locally in Burr Oak, KS, accessing hair follicle testing services is swift and straightforward. Clients benefit from easy and hassle-free testing processes, proximate locations reduce travel time, and ensure that needed tests are promptly conducted.
In Burr Oak, KS, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, privacy and simplicity are at the forefront, addressing any concerns and making the process hassle-free for all involved, ensuring privacy and client comfort.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Burr Oak, KS, hair follicle drug testing services provide excellent value. This ensures companies of varying sizes can confidently access reliable testing without financial strain, benefiting from timely and cost-effective service delivery.
In Burr Oak, KS, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. The process ensures high accuracy in identifying substances, making it a preferred choice for many. With quick turnaround times, individuals and employers can swiftly receive comprehensive and reliable test results that detail any potential substance use.
Employers in Burr Oak, KS achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This reliable method supports workplace drug-free policies, cuts down on legal liabilities, and boosts safety in the workplace. It's an effective strategy for maintaining a healthy and compliant work environment.
