Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair encapsulate biomarkers within the strands' fibers, offering an extended timeline of drug and alcohol history. Positioned near the scalp, hair samples can reveal up to a three-month window for detecting these substances. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively tough, and it’s convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands, roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter, near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, deemed the perfect sample for both preliminary and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional specifications, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair might be acquired. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the foundational processing step, integrating a sample into a lab’s framework. This procedure entails ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any remaining data entry obligations not covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening acts as an initial assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient mechanism to invalidate drug usage for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples that are provisionally positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If, during Screening, a sample indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is drawn from the original sample and primed for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at notably reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair testing as the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. Each laboratory phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed “hair follicle tests,” this test actually examines the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle below the scalp.
The hair follicle test in Ottawa, KS is superior due to its enhanced detection capabilities and longer detection periods compared to urine tests. Hair testing provides a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history, proving to be more effective for employers and organizations prioritizing comprehensive drug screening.
While urine tests can only capture recent drug use, hair tests detect usage over 90 days, offering greater insight and reliability. This extended detection period makes hair tests a preferred choice for sustained accuracy.
Hair follicle testing in Ottawa, KS offers an extensive detection window, up to 90 days, capturing a broad history of substance use. This prolonged period is invaluable for employers and professionals needing a thorough understanding of an individual’s drug habits.
Such comprehensive testing ensures a full overview of potential employees or current staff, providing in-depth insights into their past substance interactions, which urine tests could easily miss.
Ottawa, KS boasts hair follicle testing as a tamper-resistant method, reducing risks of sample adulteration. The reliability of the hair test makes it nearly impossible to manipulate, assuring accurate results.
This integrity in testing ensures trust and dependability, as hair samples cannot be swapped or faked, unlike more vulnerable methods such as urine testing.
In Ottawa, KS, and across the nation, our numerous testing centers provide convenient, hassle-free drug testing services. You'll find easy access to our facilities, making the process quick and efficient.
Our widespread locations ensure that testing is available where you need it, enhancing accessibility and ensuring minimal disruption to daily schedules for all involved parties.
Our testing process in Ottawa, KS is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease from ordering to receiving results. Clients can trust the secure handling of their information at every step.
This straightforward approach addresses privacy concerns and avoids any complexity, enabling a smooth and user-friendly experience for all participants.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our services in Ottawa, KS deliver exceptional value. Businesses large and small benefit from competitive rates and timely outcomes.
With cost-effective solutions paired with efficient results delivery, our testing services provide high-quality options that meet both budgetary and operational demands seamlessly.
In Ottawa, KS, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests boast a high level of precision, quickly identifying even trace amounts of substance use. With cutting-edge technology, they deliver results that are both swift and dependable, making them a top choice for assessing drug use.
The accuracy of hair follicle tests is unmatched. They can reveal patterns of drug use with great reliability, making them an essential tool for businesses and organizations seeking clarity and trustworthiness in testing procedures.
Employers in Ottawa, KS can enjoy compliance and peace of mind by adopting hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal issues and promoting safety.
Using hair tests demonstrates a company's commitment to a secure and compliant working environment, reducing legal liability and fostering confidence among staff and stakeholders.
