Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair can capture biomarkers within its strands, providing a historical record of substance use over time. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal up to a three-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. Where scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent mass of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive finding requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample register as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening techniques.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing procedure before confirmation if needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is rigorously reviewed according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called “hair follicle tests,†the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Morrowville, KS
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing holds a clear advantage in both accuracy and reliability. The longer detection window allows for a more comprehensive analysis of substance use. Whereas urine tests offer a narrower timeframe, hair testing provides extended insights into an individual's drug history, proving invaluable for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Morrowville, KS
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its ability to detect drug use over a span of up to 90 days, far exceeding the capabilities of other testing methods. This extensive timeframe gives employers a wider view of substance usage, ensuring they capture a complete picture of an individual's behavior. By covering such a broad period, it supports informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Morrowville, KS
The inherent design of hair follicle tests significantly lowers the chances of sample tampering. With a methodical collection process, these tests deliver trustworthy results every time, reducing concerns over sample adulteration. This enhances the credibility of the findings, securing them as a reliable source for identifying substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Morrowville, KS
With an extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including local options in Morrowville, accessing our services is streamlined. This ensures a hassle-free process, accommodating testing needs with ease. Our broad reach makes arranging drug tests simple and efficient, supporting quick and effective service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Morrowville, KS
The process for ordering and receiving results through hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From initiation to completion, privacy is maintained ensuring ease of use, addressing common concerns. Individuals can trust that their personal information remains secure, facilitating comfort in the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Morrowville, KS
Our pricing structure for hair follicle testing not only emphasizes affordability but also ensures quick turnaround times. Designed to cater to businesses of any size, our services provide outstanding value and prompt results. Client satisfaction is prioritized through competitive prices and efficient service delivery, reinforcing peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Morrowville, KS
The precision of hair follicle drug tests sets them apart for their speed and reliability in detecting substances. With a focus on accuracy, these tests quickly confirm substance use, giving employers confidence in their results. Their method efficiently pinpoints drug consumption, offering fast and dependable outcomes when needed most.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Morrowville, KS
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures smooth alignment with workplace drug policies. It minimizes legal risks while cultivating a safer work environment. Employers benefit from such an approach, resting assured that their drug-free policies are upheld strongly, thus improving overall workplace safety and compliance.
