Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has emerged as an effective instrument in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair, hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other substances. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window extending up to approximately three months for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, rather challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An optimal sample for screening and confirmation is a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, equating to 100mg of hair. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, and/or over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, the collection of an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. When referencing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome encompasses four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample’s initial integration into a laboratory's system. This stage involves verifying that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift examination for substances of abuse. While cost-effective, Screening primarily serves as a way to eliminate drug use in most samples; a positive outcome requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening undergo additional confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive outcome during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing pre-confirmation, as required. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the scalp’s underlying hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Latimer, KS Hair follicle tests offer superior detection capabilities, tracing substance use over an extended period. Unlike urine tests, which are more susceptible to manipulation and provide a narrow detection window, hair tests offer robust, reliable results that are virtually cheat-proof.
Extended Detection Window in Latimer, KS One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over 90 days, allowing employers a detailed view of an individual's substance history. This extended window far surpasses traditional methods, offering a deeper insight into drug use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Latimer, KS Hair follicle tests are inherently more tamper-resistant, significantly decreasing the risk of sample adulteration. The robustness of this testing method ensures reliable results, which are crucial in maintaining the integrity of drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Latimer, KS Our numerous testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Latimer, KS, offer unparalleled convenience. Ensuring easy access to testing services, businesses and individuals can rely on a seamless, hassle-free experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Latimer, KS Our straightforward and confidential procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results ensures maximum privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns about discretion and simplicity in the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Latimer, KS Our competitive pricing and swift result delivery offer exceptional value for companies of all sizes. Businesses benefit from our quick service while maintaining a budget-friendly approach to necessary drug testing procedures.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Latimer, KS Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their high precision and rapid turnaround, crucial for detecting substance use accurately. The meticulous scientific approach involved ensures that results are both swift and trustworthy, giving confidence in these assessments compared to traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Latimer, KS Employing hair follicle testing ensures employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, which mitigates legal liabilities and fosters a safer working environment. This method provides assurance of compliance, contributing to organizational peace of mind.
