Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use, both drugs and alcohol. Hair strands, by encasing biomarkers during growth, offer a retrospective account of substance consumption over an extended period. When strands are gathered near the scalp, they can reveal a usage history spanning up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. This method is notable for its ease of collection, resistance to tampering, and straightforward shipping process.
A sample requiring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, suitable for preliminary and confirmatory testing. For tests like EtG, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. The specimen should ideally be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, body hair in equivalent measure may be utilized. The term head hair is specifically synonymous with scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in the lab processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any other required information not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a swift preliminary examination for prohibited substances. While it’s a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive findings require confirmation to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples flagged as potentially positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
For samples identified as potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid); hence, hair drug screening is recognized as one of the most challenging methods.
Confirmation for any positive findings in Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples showing presumptive positivity are cleaned before confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Copeland, KS
In Copeland, KS, hair follicle tests surpass their urine counterparts in both detection accuracy and dependability. While urine tests target short-term usage, hair tests reveal longer-term drug consumption, making them indispensable for informed decision-making in various sectors.
Extended Detection Window in Copeland, KS
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days, which benefits employers by giving them clear insights into an individual’s drug history. In Copeland, KS, this approach provides a comprehensive view of substance use patterns, crucial for pertinent evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Copeland, KS
Hair follicle tests in Copeland, KS, significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures the integrity of the testing process, yielding trustworthy and unchallenged results that are paramount in sensitive environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Copeland, KS
Our expansive network, including facilities in Copeland, KS, ensures seamless access to testing services. This accessibility guarantees quick and uncomplicated service wherever you are nationwide, proving advantageous for all users.
Simple, Confidential Process in Copeland, KS
Our testing protocol in Copeland, KS, is straightforward and protects privacy at every stage—from ordering to obtaining results. We emphasize discretion and ease, allaying fears regarding confidentiality and procedural simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Copeland, KS
In Copeland, KS, our offerings include competitive costs and swift turnaround times. Businesses receive excellent value and reassurance through timely results, which cater to organizations of varying sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Copeland, KS
In Copeland, KS, hair follicle drug testing promises unmatched precision and speed. Our methodologies ensure high accuracy, efficiently identifying substance use patterns and providing peace of mind through consistent reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Copeland, KS
For employers in Copeland, KS, utilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach reduces legal exposure and enhances safety, offering peace of mind for business owners and stakeholders alike.
