Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair testing has emerged as an effective way to identify the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The analysis of hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug consumption by entrapping biological markers in each strand’s fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use within an approximately three-month timeframe. The collection process is straightforward, the possibility of tampering is low, and shipment is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, composed of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, equates to 100mg of hair, suited for both screening and confirmation. For additional testing such as EtG and any tests involving more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be used. “Head hair†specifies scalp hair exclusively. “Body hair†encompasses all other types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary four steps in processing results for a drug test in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial intake of a specimen into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any other necessary details missing from an electronic chain of custody method.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most specimens, confirmation of positive results is required for legal proceedings. Any samples that preliminarily test positive in Screening must undergo a secondary validation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample to undergo Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a concentration significantly lower than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug testing as the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation, as needed. The entire path from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined in alignment with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used; however, the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair testing provides a superior detection capability over traditional urine tests in Everest, KS. With a detection span reaching up to 90 days, it gives a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use. The method offers enhanced accuracy and reduces cheating, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Everest, KS employers benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window up to 90 days. This method provides a detailed overview of an individual's drug use history, crucial for assessing long-term habits. It offers more than a snapshot, further enhancing workplace safety strategies.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle drug tests in Everest, KS, significantly reduces the risks associated with sample adulteration. Employers gain trust in the reliability of the results, essential for maintaining an uncompromised, drug-free environment.
Convenience is paramount, and Everest, KS benefits from nationwide testing centers with local accessibility. This network ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free access to important drug testing services. The availability of centers facilitates smooth and efficient operations.
Everest, KS offers a simple and confidential drug testing process. From ordering to result retrieval, privacy and ease are prioritized, addressing any concerns of confidentiality and ensuring comfort throughout the process.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround, Everest, KS caters to organizations seeking value and efficiency in drug testing services. Competitive structures ensure peace of mind for companies, getting accurate results promptly.
In Everest, KS, hair follicle tests are known for their speed and precision. Employers can rely on these tests for accurate substance detection, aiding in quick decision-making. The method stands out for delivering trustworthy results, instrumental in maintaining safety standards.
Employers in Everest, KS gain peace of mind by incorporating hair follicle tests into their drug-free policies. The compliance benefits minimize legal risks while promoting a safe, efficient workplace. This testing approach ensures alignment with regulatory standards.
