Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and drug exposure by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal portion for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab system. This step includes verifying the sample's sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs verification to be court-admissible. Samples showing presumptive positive results during Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than in other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation on any positively screened result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing is Superior to Urine Testing in Colby, KS
Hair tests offer a more comprehensive detection window than standard urine tests, allowing analysis of up to 90 days. This provides a reliable overview of substance use compared to the shorter window urine tests offer.
Additionally, with its nearly impossible tamper-proof nature, hair testing ensures the integrity of results, distinguishing it from urine tests.
Extended Detection Window: A Comprehensive View
Hair follicle testing in Colby, KS, offers a detection timeline of up to 90 days, giving a longer historical perspective on an employee's substance usage. This is significantly superior to other testing methods which provide only a short-term snapshot.
The extended window assists in a thorough assessment, perfect for understanding recurring or chronic substance use.
Unparalleled Tamper Resistance in Testing
Hair follicle tests minimize tampering risks because samples are collected directly from the body, making substitution or adulteration very challenging.
With the crucial need for accuracy, especially in corporate settings, this method ensures that results remain genuine and unchallengeable, providing peace of mind to all stakeholders.
Accessible and Widespread Testing Locations
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including Colby, KS, quick and efficient access to hair follicle tests becomes seamless.
Having local options removes the logistical burdens of travel, making it easier for businesses and individuals to comply with testing requirements with minimal disruption.
An Easy and Private Testing Process
In Colby, KS, ordering and taking hair follicle tests is straightforward, with confidentiality being a top priority.
The user-friendly approach ensures employers and individuals can easily manage their testing without cumbersome procedures, maintaining privacy every step of the way.
Competitive Pricing and Swift Results
Offering affordable yet high-quality hair testing in Colby, KS, we provide excellent value with our cost-effective pricing structures.
Quick turnaround times mean results are delivered promptly, ensuring companies can make timely and informed decisions without straining budgets.
Fast and Precise Testing in Colby, KS
The accuracy of hair follicle testing is unmatched, making it ideal for fast and reliable substance use detection in Colby. Our state-of-the-art processes deliver results swiftly, ensuring timely decision-making for employers.
The technological advancements in hair testing provide not just speed but also unparalleled precision, giving a detailed account of substance use patterns.
Ensuring Compliance with Confidence
Hair follicle testing helps Colby, KS employers uphold their drug-free workplace policies efficiently, reducing potential legal issues and promoting safety.
Companies benefit from increased confidence in compliance with regulations, as these tests contribute to creating a safer and more professional work environment.
