Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a potent instrument for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeline of up to roughly 3-months for alcohol and drug use. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing about 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal portion of body hair might be utilized. 'Head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas 'Body hair' pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps involved in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing step where a sample is logged into the lab’s system. This process involves ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be court-admissible. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample records a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the main specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," this test in reality analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hillsboro, KS, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. One major benefit is the extended detection accuracy that surpasses urine testing, providing a superior and highly reliable method of drug testing.
Employers feel more confident in the reliability of hair tests over urine alternatives.
The power of hair follicle testing in Hillsboro, KS lies in its remarkable 90-day detection window. This extended period allows employers to see a comprehensive substance use history of an individual.
This window vastly surpasses the limited timeframe available with urine testing.
Hair follicle tests in Hillsboro, KS are renowned for their tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike urine samples, hair tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results.
This reliability provides peace of mind when confirming substance use or abstinence.
Accredited Drug Testing's network in Hillsboro, KS ensures convenient access to nationwide and local testing centers, easing the process of drug testing.
This network provides an efficient solution for multi-location employers and individuals alike.
Hair follicle testing with Accredited Drug Testing in Hillsboro, KS offers a straightforward and confidential process, prioritizing privacy at every stage.
This approach assures participants of their privacy and ease when undergoing testing.
In Hillsboro, KS, choosing hair follicle testing ensures cost-effectiveness coupled with quick turnaround times. Companies receive excellent value, benefitting from high-quality services without straining budgets.
Employers find this affordability attractive when balancing cost with reliable testing.
Hair follicle testing in Hillsboro, KS offers a high level of accuracy and speed, providing precise results regarding substance use. These tests are renowned for their rapid results delivery, often within days, ensuring that employers and individuals receive quick feedback on drug use.
Choosing hair follicle tests in Hillsboro ensures decisions are based on reliable data.
Employing hair follicle testing in Hillsboro, KS aligns perfectly with maintaining workplace policies about drug-free environments. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety.
Employers can rest easy knowing they are compliant with necessary regulations.
