Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is now recognized as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and is easily transportable.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), taken from the scalp area will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a specimen mass of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. When referring to head hair, scalp hair is the focus. Alternatively, body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for assessing a drug test result encompasses four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab system. This process comprises the verification of proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any missing information not captured by an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen demands verification to be valid in legal settings. Samples indicated as potentially positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair from the original sample is taken for Extraction. During this process, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence, hair drug screening is the most complex method to execute.
Any positive result from screening is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as needed before confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Horton, KS, hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. It excels in detection accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for many employers and authorities.
While urine tests detect drug use over shorter periods, hair follicle tests provide insights into drug history over much extended durations, enhancing assessment accuracy.
Hair follicle testing in Horton, KS, is ideal for long-term detection, offering a 90-day window that provides a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.
This extensive detection window enables employers to assess an applicant's or employee's past substance use, supporting more comprehensive and informed evaluations in various professional settings.
In Horton, KS, hair follicle testing is prized for its tamper-resistant nature. Reducing tampering risks, this testing method ensures that the results remain reliable.
The difficulty of adulterating hair samples makes these tests a dependable option for those seeking unquestionable test outcomes, providing a significant advantage over other testing methods like urine tests.
Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide testing with local centers in Horton, KS. This nationwide network ensures easy and hassle-free access to testing services.
Whether you're in Horton or elsewhere, our extensive testing locations make it simple for individuals and employers to avail of reliable hair follicle drug testing services efficiently.
Our hair follicle testing process in Horton, KS, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease for all involved.
Understanding the importance of confidentiality, our streamlined process addresses privacy concerns, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking drug testing services.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times in Horton, KS. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value for companies big and small.
With rapid result delivery, businesses can trust in our services to meet their testing needs without financial strain, ensuring peace of mind through cost-effective testing solutions.
In Horton, KS, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their quick and reliable results. Speed and precision are the hallmark of these tests, providing highly accurate insights into substance use, crucial for both employers and personal use.
The accuracy of hair testing ensures that results are trustworthy and allow for informed decision-making, whether in employment contexts or other areas requiring stringent substance use monitoring.
Employers in Horton, KS, can benefit from hair follicle testing for ensuring workplace compliance with drug-free policies. This testing method significantly reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety.
By choosing hair follicle tests, employers not only ensure compliance but also foster a safe and healthy working environment, providing them peace of mind.
