Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands contain a long-term archive of alcohol and drug indicators by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a drug or alcohol presence for up to roughly three months. The collection process is straightforward, hard to manipulate, and easy to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair may be used as an alternative. References to head hair mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory's processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial organization of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample is sealed, properly transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry that isn’t covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive findings need verification to be legally valid. Samples that show presumptive positive results during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If screening indicates a potential positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drug compounds are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than when using other methods (like urine or saliva), which is why hair drug analysis poses significant challenges.
Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing as part of the confirmation process as needed. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," these tests actually assess the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Green, KS, hair follicle testing stands out when compared to traditional urine tests. Its unique benefits include superior detection accuracy, enhanced reliability, and an extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair screenings provide a longer assessment of substance use, which is vital for comprehensive evaluations.
Employers in Green, KS, find hair follicle tests more suitable for maintaining zero-tolerance policies. The extensive detection timeline allows for the identification of drug use patterns over a longer period, essential for a thorough understanding of an individual's history.
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Green, KS, is its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days. For employers, this provides a broader perspective on an employee's or applicant's substance use history, making it a valuable tool for comprehensive assessment.
This capability to detect drug use over a long period is particularly beneficial in workplaces needing thorough evaluations of potential or current employees, thus offering crucial insights into their lifestyle choices.
In Green, KS, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing, greatly minimizing the potential for sample manipulation. This method’s inherent design ensures that results are reliable and undisputable.
The process is meticulously designed to prevent alteration, providing a level of certainty and confidence in the outcomes. For anyone seeking accuracy, hair testing serves as a safeguarded method against tampering attempts.
Convenience is key when it comes to drug testing, and in Green, KS, our network of nationwide and local testing centers makes the process hassle-free. Whether you're in the city or throughout the country, you'll find a nearby location ready to serve your testing needs.
The vast reach of our testing facilities ensures you have uninterrupted access to services, saving time and providing ease for those seeking swift and efficient testing procedures.
The process of obtaining and completing a hair follicle test in Green, KS, is both straightforward and confidential. Ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results are designed to protect privacy while ensuring a seamless experience.
This simplicity, paired with confidentiality, addresses common concerns related to privacy and ease, thereby making it a preferred choice among those seeking a discreet testing process.
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Green, KS, provides excellent value. This cost-effective solution suits companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind without straining budgets.
Whether for large corporations or small businesses, the affordable pricing structures paired with rapid result delivery ensure that there is no compromise on quality, making it a wise investment for reliable testing.
The efficiency and reliability of hair follicle drug testing in Green, KS, are unmatched. This method delivers fast and highly precise results, ensuring a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use. The swift turnaround time paired with dependable readings makes it an ideal choice for those seeking swift and credible outcomes.
Precision and speed are crucial in drug testing, and hair follicle screening excels in both aspects. The capability to accurately identify substances with prompt results is pivotal for effective decision-making, thereby setting hair tests apart from other methods.
Employers in Green, KS, can enjoy peace of mind using hair follicle testing to comply with workplace drug-free policies. This method enhances safety and reduces legal risks by offering precise and reliable detections.
Compliance with drug-free policies is essential for organizational well-being, and hair testing ensures that these standards are met effectively, protecting the workplace from potential liabilities.
