Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a durable record of alcohol and other substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected close to the scalp, hair can provide up to approximately a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is uncomplicated to gather, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses that exceed 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We recommend weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be accessed, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation constitute the four principal steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This includes verifying that the sample was sealed and shipped properly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial quick check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective way to rule out drug usage on the majority of samples, a positive screen needs to be confirmed to be admissible in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most difficult methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed 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: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Goddard, KS, the benefits are clear. Hair testing is vastly superior in accuracy, reducing false positives and negatives. This method surpasses urine tests in reliability, making it the preferred option for organizations seeking thorough and trustworthy drug screening results. Its extensive detection window further solidifies its advantages.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window in Goddard, KS, capturing drug use over as long as 90 days. This thorough overview provides employers with a detailed view of an individual’s substance history, helping ensure informed hiring decisions. This extended period stands out compared to the shorter detection spans of alternative methods, giving a clearer picture of ongoing behavior.
In Goddard, KS, the hair follicle test is known for its tamper-resistant methodology. With these tests, the risks of sample adulteration significantly decrease, resulting in dependable and indisputable outcomes. The highly monitored sample collection process ensures integrity, fostering trust in the results provided by this advanced testing method.
With nationwide and local testing sites in Goddard, KS, Accredited Drug Testing ensures a seamless testing experience. Accessibility is key; our extensive network of centers makes scheduling a test convenient and efficient. Employers and individuals benefit from quick and accessible service, enhancing the ease and efficiency of the testing process.
Our testing process in Goddard, KS, offers a simple and confidential approach. From ordering to the test itself and receiving results, every step respects privacy and ensures ease of use. This confidential process caters to individuals and organizations mindful of privacy, simplifying drug testing while maintaining discretion.
Accredited Drug Testing in Goddard, KS, provides affordable services with quick turnaround. With competitive pricing models, we deliver high value, accommodating the needs of businesses of all sizes. Our swift service ensures timely results, giving companies the confidence they need in their drug testing programs without financial strain.
In Goddard, KS, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. Recognized for their precision, these tests provide a prompt assessment of substance use, ensuring employers and individuals receive the insights they need without delay. Their high sensitivity and ability to detect various substances make them a top choice for effective drug screening, delivering peace of mind.
Employers in Goddard, KS, gain peace of mind and compliance with hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. These tests mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety by offering an unyielding approach to substance monitoring. Maintaining a drug-free environment becomes an easier task, providing security for both employer and employees alike.
