Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged log of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It’s suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with entering a sample into the lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample is properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary inspection for drug abuse. Screening provides a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, but a positive result must be confirmed for court acceptance. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If the Screening reveals a presumptively positive result, more hair is extracted from the main sample for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a far lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screen result takes place via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Some presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is checked 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 commonly termed "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Langdon, KS, hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage over conventional urine tests. Not only does it provide a superior detection accuracy, but it is also notable for its reliability. Unlike urine testing, which can be easily manipulated, hair testing ensures precise and credible results by detecting substances embedded within hair strands.
Furthermore, hair drug tests exhibit a larger scope by tracing drug usage over a more extended period compared to urine tests. They are harder to deceive due to the complex nature of altering hair samples, thus ensuring that the identified results are authentic and trustworthy.
One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Langdon, KS, is its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to assess an applicant's or employee's drug history comprehensively. Unlike shorter-term tests, hair analysis provides a wide lens into past substance use.
This prolonged detection period means that brief periods of abstinence will not skew results, ensuring a more accurate reflection of a person's drug habits over time. This advantage empowers better-informed decision-making for employers seeking a drug-free workplace.
Langdon, KS, employs hair follicle testing as a robust solution against fake negatives. The test's method makes tampering nearly impossible, as altering hair sample integrity without detection is highly unlikely.
This security extends to the collection process, which is closely monitored to prevent any kind of sample adulteration. These factors collectively assure employers and stakeholders of the reliability and authenticity of test outcomes, thus showcasing the strength of hair follicle drug testing.
Convenience defines the hair follicle testing experience in Langdon, KS, thanks to an extensive network of testing centers nationwide. This access ensures that individuals can promptly and easily undertake necessary tests without complications.
Local availability means less hassle, with quick and easy scheduling to support personal and professional needs. The resultant time efficiency and diminished effort solidify the attractiveness of these accessible testing facilities.
The process of hair follicle testing in Langdon, KS, is notably simple and confidential. From test ordering to final results, each step is designed for ease of use, ensuring privacy adheres to every interaction.
This streamlined and discreet process addresses concerns of those requiring confidentiality while maintaining high standards. The friendly, straightforward experience reassures participants that their privacy is respected throughout.
Hair follicle testing in Langdon, KS, boasts affordable pricing coupled with swift turnaround times, making it an excellent choice for businesses. Competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effectiveness while delivering high quality.
This combination means organizations, regardless of size, can benefit from the quick delivery of results without straining budgets. The economic advantage makes hair testing an appealing option for employers desiring efficient and reliable testing solutions.
In Langdon, KS, hair follicle drug testing offers rapid and reliable outcomes. Its high precision ensures accurate detection of substance usage, providing employers and organizations with trustworthy data. This meticulousness stems from the detailed analysis of the hair, which contains markers of consumed substances.
The speed at which results are processed makes hair testing a go-to choice for those needing quick yet thorough insights into drug consumption. This excellence in accuracy and promptness leaves users confident in the test results.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Langdon, KS, assures employers of workplace compliance and helps enforce zero-tolerance drug policies. This method's capacity to accurately uncover drug use enhances workplace integrity and safety.
Employers gain peace of mind through reduced legal risks and assurance that policies are upheld fairly and consistently. This reliable testing approach supports a comprehensive strategy in maintaining a drug-free environment, safeguarding both business and employees.
