Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessment has emerged as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Through the capture of biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug usage. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to approximately a 3-month period of drug and alcohol presence. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for initial and confirmatory assessments. For EtG, additional tests, and/or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equal amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key components in the lab analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's framework. This involves verifying the sample's sealed and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not contributed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid inspection for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage for many samples, a positive result from the screening requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumed positive during the Screening phase, more hair is removed from the initial batch and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive findings from screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in McFarland, KS Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. They provide a more reliable substance use history, making them an ideal choice for workplaces with zero-tolerance policies. Unlike urine tests, hair testing detects drug use over longer periods, ensuring precise results.
Extended Detection Window in McFarland, KS Hair follicle testing stands out with its capacity to detect drug use for up to 90 days. This method offers a comprehensive look at an individual’s substance use history, providing employers with a reliable insight into an applicant's or employee's past drug use, far beyond the limits of urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McFarland, KS Hair follicle tests offer a robust solution by minimizing the chances of sample adulteration. These tests provide results that are reliable and difficult to dispute, offering peace of mind to employers that rely on accurate drug testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in McFarland, KS Our extensive network of testing centers simplifies the testing process. With locations nationwide, individuals and companies can quickly and effortlessly access services, making testing a stress-free experience for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in McFarland, KS The process of ordering, taking, and retrieving hair follicle test results is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. This ensures that participants feel secure, maintaining privacy and ease throughout the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in McFarland, KS Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and swift result delivery. This combination provides exceptional value, ensuring companies of every size benefit from efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McFarland, KS Hair follicle tests are known for their precision in drug detection. These tests offer quick and reliable assessments, ensuring that substance usage is identified accurately. The speed and accuracy serve employers who demand stringent drug-free policies, enabling them to make informed decisions swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in McFarland, KS With hair follicle testing, employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only reduces legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety, ensuring that the organization operates within the boundaries of the law.
