Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair, it offers a chronicled account of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or beyond 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample within a lab’s system. It involves ensuring that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly means to negate drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen needs extra verification for courtroom acceptance. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is marked presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this stage, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positive screening outcome is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing ahead of confirmation as requisite. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and with accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gardner, KS
In Gardner, KS, hair follicle drug testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests due to its superior accuracy. Hair tests provide a broader detection window and are more challenging to manipulate. They present detailed insights into an individual’s drug use history, proving crucial for employers enforcing strict drug policies. This makes hair testing a more reliable choice.
Extended Detection Window in Gardner, KS
Hair follicle testing excels with a detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers in Gardner, KS, an extensive view of an individual's drug use history. This prolonged period can reveal patterns of substance use that urine tests might miss, giving a comprehensive insight into the long-term habits of employees or applicants, thus supporting informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gardner, KS
One of the standout features of hair follicle drug testing in Gardner, KS, is its resilience against tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests offer a robust solution against sample manipulation, producing dependable results. This ensures that the outcomes reflect true usage patterns, building trust in the testing process for employers and individuals alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gardner, KS
Our hair follicle drug testing services boast widespread availability with numerous convenient testing centers across the nation and locally in Gardner, KS. This streamlined network ensures quick and hassle-free access to services, allowing clients to undergo testing without unnecessary delays, thereby providing an efficient route to obtaining necessary results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gardner, KS
The hair follicle drug testing process in Gardner, KS is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing users' privacy concerns. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step is simplified to ensure ease of use. Clients can confidently manage their testing needs, reassured by the discreet handling of their personal information throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gardner, KS
Gardner, KS, clients benefit from competitive pricing structures in hair follicle drug testing, combined with swift turnaround times. This makes our services an attractive proposition for businesses of all sizes, offering excellent value. Quick access to reliable results not only saves time but also provides employers with the financial and operational efficiency they seek.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gardner, KS
Hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their precision and efficiency, reflecting a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use. In Gardner, KS, these tests offer rapid results, ensuring that employers and individuals gain a strong understanding of potential substance use swiftly. This speed and accuracy make hair testing a preferred choice for many seeking reliable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gardner, KS
In Gardner, KS, employers find hair follicle drug testing key to maintaining a drug-free workplace. This method assures compliance with internal policies, minimizing potential legal issues. By opting for hair tests, companies enhance workplace safety and achieve peace of mind, knowing they are upholding the highest standards of drug testing reliability and integrity.
