Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair secures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a three-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments above 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be procured. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This phase confirms the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result in screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration in comparison to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is regarded as the most complex methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often mentioned as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Hymer, KS, surpasses traditional urine testing in several ways. Its longer detection window allows for a more comprehensive analysis of drug use, which is beneficial for employers, courts, and family protection services. In contrast, urine tests cover a shorter timeframe, limiting their ability to detect previous substance abuse.
A key advantage of hair follicle testing is its increased accuracy. While urine tests can be tampered with more easily, hair tests provide secure results, virtually eliminating the chance for manipulation. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for ensuring reliable and consistent drug detection.
In Hymer, KS, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use over a significant period of up to 90 days. This capability offers employers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance habits, which is particularly useful in both recruitment and retention phases.
This extended timeframe is beneficial when compared to the shorter detection periods of other methods, such as urine tests. By capturing a longer snapshot of drug use, hair testing becomes a vital tool in maintaining safety and integrity within the workplace or other environments needing stringent controls.
Hair follicle tests in Hymer, KS, present a robust defense against sample tampering, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. The nature of hair analysis ensures that the results are reliable and trustworthy, reinforcing the credibility of the test outcomes.
Adulterating or modifying urine samples is more common; however, hair samples resist such manipulation due to their inherent properties and the controlled collection process. This tamper-resistant feature makes hair testing an ideal choice for institutions and employers seeking certainty in their drug screening practices.
Convenient testing locations across Hymer, KS, and throughout the nation make hair follicle testing accessible and hassle-free. With widespread clinical sites, Accredited Drug Testing ensures rapid testing services, providing localized convenience.
Our national network of testing centers offers straightforward solutions for individuals and organizations needing timely drug testing. This accessibility eliminates travel burdens and simplifies scheduling, proving especially beneficial for nationwide operations or individuals needing efficient service.
In Hymer, KS, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, designed with privacy in mind. Ordering and scheduling a test is straightforward, with results delivered securely, giving individuals peace of mind over personal data protection.
This seamless procedure means clients can comfortably navigate drug testing requirements without concerns about data breaches or complex processes. The ease of obtaining and understanding results further streamlines the experience for individuals and companies alike.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Hymer, KS, provides an exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective services ensure that high-quality drug testing is accessible without breaking the bank.
Fast results, combined with affordable rates, empower companies to make informed decisions swiftly. This balance of cost and efficiency supports organizations in maintaining compliance and ensuring safety without financial strain.
In Hymer, KS, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in pinpointing substance use sets them apart, providing employers and individuals with dependable data. These tests' superior accuracy ensures that substance-related issues are identified promptly, allowing for swift action in maintaining drug-free environments.
The speed at which hair follicle tests deliver results is unmatched. In today's fast-paced world, receiving quick outcomes can be crucial for employers making hiring decisions or for enforcing compliance with company policies. Their reliability stands as a testament to their effectiveness in the drug testing industry.
In Hymer, KS, employers can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. The approach minimizes legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, aligning with corporate standards and regulatory requirements.
Incorporating hair testing into drug detection protocols enhances employer confidence in maintaining a safe and productive work environment. By supporting these procedures, businesses can focus on core operations, knowing they are backed by reliable drug testing methods that align with industry best practices.
