Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended chronological record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When sourced near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to three months for substances like alcohol. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp provides around 100mg, ideal for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and panels beyond 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair is an alternative. The term head hair is specifically for scalp hair, while body hair includes all other forms (facial, axillary, and more).
Procedure Summary
The laboratory process for finalizing a drug test involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation in four stages.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into the lab's database. This includes checking the sample's seal and proper shipment, attributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary inspection for drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to exclude drug use in most samples, legal admissibility requires confirmation of a positive screen. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used for the Confirmation of any positive screen result. Presumptive positive samples are washed as needed before confirmation. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire lab process is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification along with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Coats, KS, hair follicle testing prevails over traditional urine tests, offering superior detection accuracy and dependability. With its ability to detect a broader spectrum of substances over an extended period, hair testing provides a more comprehensive assessment, making it invaluable for employers and legal entities prioritizing zero-tolerance policies.
Hair follicle testing in Coats, KS, boasts an extended detection window of up to 90 days, which surpasses other testing methods. This feature allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of a candidate or employee's substance use history, aiding in informed decision-making and promoting a more secure work environment.
In Coats, KS, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution against sample adulteration, delivering indisputable results. The unique attributes of hair samples make it challenging to falsify, thus ensuring the authenticity of the testing outcomes and reinforcing reliability for those relying on accurate data.
Our widespread testing centers, including those in Coats, KS, ensure that accessing drug testing services is simple, swift, and hassle-free. With conveniently located facilities, both on a national scale and locally, we make it easy for individuals and organizations to meet their testing needs effectively.
In Coats, KS, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential—from ordering to taking the test and receiving results. Our well-defined method addresses privacy concerns and ensures a user-friendly experience, enabling individuals to engage with testing services comfortably and securely.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Coats, KS, deliver outstanding value to businesses of all sizes. These features underscore our commitment to providing cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality or reliability.
In Coats, KS, hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and reliable outcomes, offering unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use. The advanced technology involved in these tests ensures a swift turnaround from sample collection to result delivery, making it an ideal choice for those who need quick and dependable results.
For employers in Coats, KS, hair follicle testing brings peace of mind, supporting adherence to workplace drug-free policies and minimizing legal risks. This testing method bolsters safety by providing a reliable means to monitor substance use, fostering a secure and compliant workplace environment.
