Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tough to alter, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for examination and validation. For EtG tests, additional assessments, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in a laboratory's drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory's records. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing required data entry that isn't covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary basic check for illicit substance use. While an efficient method to disregard substance use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for judicial acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and made ready for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from the hair at significantly lower levels than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptively positive samples undergo cleaning before confirmation if needed. The overall lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the examination actually focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is proving superior to urine tests in Ford, KS due to its remarkable detection accuracy. The hair test offers improved reliability by identifying substances long after usage, making it a worthwhile alternative to traditional urine tests which may miss recent or infrequent drug use.
In Ford, KS, hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days prior. This capability offers employers a thorough insight into an applicant or employee's substance use over time. It surpasses the capabilities of other testing methods with its ability to chart long-term history.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Ford, KS, makes them highly reliable. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver trustworthy and indisputable results, flying above the concerns often associated with other specimen-based testing
Ford, KS boasts convenient testing locations that are part of a larger national network, providing easy and quick access for individuals requiring drug testing. The reach of these centers means hassle-free testing services, available locally and nationwide, making them ideal for busy professionals and companies.
In Ford, KS, the process of hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, clients can expect a seamless experience that respects privacy while offering ease of use, addressing common concerns regarding testing procedures.
Ford, KS benefits from affordable hair follicle testing with quick turnaround times, providing excellent value for companies of all sizes. The competitive pricing ensures businesses can maintain their drug-free policies without compromising on budget, simultaneously ensuring fast access to reliable results.
The precision and speed of hair follicle testing make it a preferred choice in Ford, KS. These tests boast remarkable accuracy in identifying drug use, allowing for fast, reliable outcomes. With advanced methodologies, hair testing delivers not just timely results, but ensures high dependability that is unmatched by traditional testing methods.
Employers in Ford, KS can find peace of mind using hair follicle testing, as it ensures adherence to drug-free work policies. This method reduces potential legal risks while enhancing workplace safety by securing compliance in a straightforward manner.
