Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a comprehensive record of substances like alcohol, as biomarkers are encased within the fibers of hair that is actively growing. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprised of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered an optimal sample for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG enhancements and/or testing that exceeds 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be accessible, an equal quantity of body hair is an acceptable alternative. In the context of this discussion, head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails introducing a sample into a lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any required additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. While this step offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In instances where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those observed using other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid). Consequently, hair drug screening is considered the most complex methodology to perform.
Any positive screening finding is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as appropriate. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common reference as "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms: In Elmdale, KS, hair follicle testing is favored for its superior detection accuracy over urine tests. Not only does it offer a broader window of detection, but it provides a more comprehensive assessment of habitual drug use, giving employers greater confidence in test results. The high reliability of hair tests reduces the chance for error, making them an ideal choice for ensuring workplace compliance with drug policies.
Prolonged Detection Period: Offering up to 90-day detection windows, hair follicle testing in Elmdale, KS, enables employers to evaluate potential or current employees' drug use history effectively. This extended period gives a more complete view of an individual's past substance use, thus supporting employers in making informed hiring and retention decisions in line with organizational policies.
Test Integrity and Security: Hair follicle tests in Elmdale, KS, greatly diminish the possibilities of sample tampering, ensuring that test outcomes are both credible and trustworthy. This method's inherent robustness keeps the integrity of each sample intact, eliminating doubts and providing dependable results for all stakeholders involved.
Convenience Across the Nation: With a nationwide network of testing centers, including local options in Elmdale, KS, accessing hair follicle testing services is both simple and expedient. This widespread availability ensures seamless and hassle-free testing processes, providing the utmost convenience for individuals and organizations needing drug tests on any scale.
Simplified and Private Process: The procedure for obtaining hair follicle test results in Elmdale, KS, is straightforward and respects privacy. From arranging tests to obtaining results, the process is designed with confidentiality and ease of access in mind, addressing any concerns about personal information protection throughout every stage.
Competitive and Efficient Solutions: Hair follicle testing in Elmdale, KS, offers affordable pricing and quick result turnaround, ensuring businesses of all sizes receive maximum value. The competitive pricing structures, combined with fast processing times, provide companies peace of mind and reliable assessments of their workforce without financial strain.
Swift and Dependable Results: Hair follicle drug tests in Elmdale, KS, are known for their precision and quick turnaround times. These tests efficiently detect substance use, offering unmatched accuracy, which ensures employers receive reliable results promptly. This rapidity in processing and accuracy guarantees a streamlined process, resulting in immediate insights into an individual's drug use history.
Ensuring Compliance and Confidence: Utilizing hair follicle testing in Elmdale, KS, aids employers in staying compliant with drug-free workplace requirements. By mitigating legal exposure and enhancing the overall safety culture, these tests present a proactive approach to fostering a secure and healthy work environment while reducing workplace incidents.
