Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair stores a historical record of alcohol and other substance intake by embedding biomarkers within its strands. When procured near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands, similar in size to a #2 pencil, taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional investigations, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a specimen in a lab's system. This covers checking the proper sealing and shipment of the specimen, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial swift inspection for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical strategy to exclude drug use for the majority of samples, a positive result must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples with preliminary positive results during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive screening confirmations are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle tests are a superior choice over urine tests in Humboldt, KS, due to their enhanced detection accuracy. While urine tests only reveal recent drug usage, hair testing provides a broader detection window. This method ensures reliability and thoroughness, effectively identifying substance use that might be missed by more traditional urine assays.
In Humboldt, KS, hair follicle testing is valued for its extended detection window. This method can trace drug use up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed view of an applicant's or employee's substance history. Such a comprehensive overview helps in making informed decisions regarding suitability for employment.
Choosing hair follicle tests in Humboldt, KS, reduces the risk of sample tampering. This method provides reliable results, minimizing opportunities for sample adulteration often associated with other testing methodologies. It guarantees trustworthy outcomes, thus maintaining integrity in drug testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access in Humboldt, KS, with nationwide centers. With this wide-reaching network, obtaining drug testing services becomes a quick and straightforward process, eliminating any hassle and providing easy access to efficient testing solutions.
Our testing process in Humboldt, KS, is simple and confidential. Clients can easily order tests, participate in the process, and receive results with utmost privacy. The approach addresses any privacy concerns while ensuring a smooth experience for all involved.
We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround on hair follicle testing in Humboldt, KS. Our services deliver excellent value, catering to businesses of all sizes and ensuring rapid results, allowing companies to maintain focus on core activities with minimal disruption.
In Humboldt, KS, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. Offering highly accurate results, these tests can swiftly detect substance use. By utilizing advanced technology, they ensure reliable and quick assessments, making them a preferred choice for those seeking fast yet accurate testing solutions.
Hair follicle testing in Humboldt, KS, provides compliance and peace of mind for employers. By aligning with drug-free workplace policies, it reduces legal risks and enhances safety. Ensuring a secure and compliant work environment contributes to the overall well-being of all employees.