Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. It captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding markers within the structure of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests that exceed 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is an alternative. By head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is entered into a lab’s framework. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial, quick evaluation for substance abuse. Although it is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally admissible. Any samples that return a presumptive positive result in Screening need a confirmatory test.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs in hair are processed at a lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, rather than the sub-scalp follicle.
In Hill City, KS, hair follicle testing clearly outshines urine testing. With its extended detection window, it provides more comprehensive data on an individual's drug use history, enhancing the accuracy of results. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses are harder to deceive, bolstering confidence in the outcomes, and supporting better decision-making for employers and other evaluating bodies.
The hallmark of hair follicle testing in Hill City, KS lies in its prolonged detection period, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This extensive window allows employers to gain an insightful overview of an individual’s substance use patterns, aiding in recruitment and continued employment decisions by revealing a more complete picture than shorter-term testing methods.
Hair follicle testing in Hill City, KS is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature, drastically minimizing the chances of sample manipulation. This reliable testing method ensures that the results delivered are both trustworthy and definitive, offering peace of mind and assurance that the samples reflect true substance use without the fear of adulteration.
Hill City, KS, benefits from widespread access to Accredited Drug Testing’s facilities nationwide. This expansive network of testing sites ensures that drug testing is convenient, quick, and free from complication, providing both employers and individuals with efficient and localized options for conducting necessary tests.
With Accredited Drug Testing in Hill City, KS, the procedure from test ordering to obtaining results remains straightforward and confidential. Focused on privacy, clients experience a seamless journey through testing, assured that their personal data is handled delicately and securely from start to finish.
Accredited Drug Testing in Hill City, KS emphasizes affordable pricing coupled with rapid result delivery, catering to all business sizes. This cost-effective approach ensures that firms can maintain their drug monitoring without financial strain, gaining both value and timely information.
Hair follicle drug testing in Hill City, KS offers unmatched precision and efficiency in substance detection. Their high accuracy ensures reliable identification of illicit substances, surpassing alternative methods. With swift processing times, these tests deliver fast and dependable results, providing individuals and companies with the information they need promptly.
In Hill City, KS, hair follicle testing fosters adherence to workplace drug-free policies, alleviating legal concerns and enhancing job site safety. Employers confidently rely on this testing to not only comply with regulations but also to promote a secure working environment, resulting in a stronger and more focused workforce.