Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has increasingly been recognized as a potent means for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result principally involves four phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This process involves ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that yield a preliminary positive in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
If a sample registers a preliminary positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the challenge of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all preliminary positive samples undergo necessary cleansing. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards of accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carlton, KS Hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests by delivering heightened detection precision and reliability. Substances stay longer in hair, offering a more comprehensive assessment.
Extended Detection Window in Carlton, KS Hair follicle testing uniquely captures drug use over a prolonged duration of up to 90 days, offering businesses a holistic view of past substance habits of potential or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carlton, KS Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate sample adulteration risks, ensuring results that are both trustworthy and irrefutable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carlton, KS With centers scattered nationwide, accessing testing is as simple as ever. Our local presence ensures that testing needs are met quickly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Carlton, KS Our process—from ordering to receiving results—is straightforward and private, ensuring that your details remain secure without added complexity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carlton, KS Our competitive rates combined with rapid result delivery offer businesses of all scales excellent value and assurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carlton, KS Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision when identifying substances. Their speed and meticulousness ensure employers access to reliable results faster than ever, making these tests an optimal choice.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carlton, KS Hair follicle testing keeps workplaces compliant with drug-free policies, minimizing legal exposures and heightening overall safety.
