Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by trapping biomarkers within its fibers. A sample collected near the scalp can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in lab analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This includes checking if the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial swift verification for drug presence. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs verification for courtroom admissibility. All presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing is particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positives require cleansing before confirmation. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols in addition to accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", it's the hair strand that's assessed, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Melvern, KS: The superior detection accuracy of hair testing marks its edge over traditional urine tests. By offering a more precise screening outcome, hair tests have become essential for accommodating rigorous drug policies.
While urine tests are limited to short-term detection, hair tests give a broader analysis timeframe, thereby reinforcing their reliability and effectiveness as a testing tool.
Extended Detection Window in Melvern, KS: Hair follicle testing's chief benefit is its capability to track drug use across an extended period, up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with comprehensive insights into an applicant's or employee’s drug history.
The significant detection span ensures a thorough investigation process, allowing businesses to make informed decisions based on ample data coverage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Melvern, KS: Hair follicle tests significantly curtail the possibility of sample adulteration, guaranteeing reliable and unquestionable results.
The stringent procedures involved in collecting and analyzing hair samples considerably reduce any risk of manipulation, making the method trustworthy for sensitive drug test requirements.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Melvern, KS: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures clients have quick, straightforward access to services across the country, making drug screening a seamless process.
The accessibility of locations means faster testing logistics, catering to the need for efficiency in busy schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process in Melvern, KS: The process for initiating and completing a hair follicle test is designed to be straightforward while maintaining confidentiality.
Concerns about privacy are addressed through the right protocols, ensuring individuals' data and test outcomes are secure from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Melvern, KS: Our competitive pricing structure alongside quick turnaround times represents excellent value, catering to companies regardless of size.
By providing cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality, businesses receive services that suit their budgetary and operational needs efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Melvern, KS: Hair follicle tests highlight the precision in detecting substance use. Their ability to furnish rapid results with reliable data makes them a favored choice for organizations looking for trustworthy screening options.
Providing exceptional accuracy, these tests ensure each result is reflective of the individual's actual consumption patterns, signifying their pivotal role in drug detection strategies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Melvern, KS: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, minimizing legal issues, and enhancing workplace safety.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing their testing methods are aligned with legal compliance, thus fostering a secure and low-risk work environment.
