Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Biomarkers are trapped in the strands of growing hair, providing a long-term overview of alcohol and drug usage. When hair samples are collected close to the scalp, they can offer a detection period for drugs and alcohol that extends up to approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp can produce 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. It involves ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result must be corroborated for it to be considered valid in legal proceedings. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. During this process, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples testing presumptive positive are washed as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Parkerfield, KS
In Parkerfield, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests by offering enhanced accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a comprehensive analysis over an extended period. The probability of tampering is significantly minimized with hair tests, ensuring the integrity of the results.
The extended detection window of hair tests gives businesses a clear overview of an individual's substance history. This surpasses the short span covered by urine tests, allowing companies to make better-informed decisions when it comes to employee screening. Ultimately, hair testing proves to be a superior method in assessing long-term drug use patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Parkerfield, KS
Hair follicle tests in Parkerfield offer an unrivaled detection window, capturing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides employers with valuable insight into an individual's substance use history, allowing for thorough assessments of potential employees' patterns.
The comprehensive nature of hair tests ensures that employers can make well-informed decisions regarding applicant suitability. Unlike short-term detection methods, hair testing presents a fuller picture of an individual's drug habits, helping companies safeguard against substance abuse within their workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Parkerfield, KS
Hair follicle drug testing in Parkerfield significantly reduces the chances of adulteration, presenting reliable and undisputed results. The structure of hair tests makes them challenging to tamper with, assuring employers of genuine outcomes.
Unlike other methods, where the risk of sample alteration exists, hair testing continues to hold its ground as a trusted option. This security is invaluable for businesses seeking trustworthy information when assessing potential hires or continuous employee monitoring.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Parkerfield, KS
Access to drug testing has never been more seamless with our extensive network of testing centers across the nation. In Parkerfield, our local facilities ensure easy access to testing services. This network enables both businesses and individuals to undertake necessary testing without logistical stress.
The convenient locations expedite the testing process, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. Employers and individuals benefit from the smooth, hassle-free nature of our services. Whether looking for a nearby facility or coordinating testing across multiple locations, our network has you covered.
Simple, Confidential Process in Parkerfield, KS
In Parkerfield, the hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test, each step ensures privacy and ease, addressing any concerns individuals might have about confidentiality.
Receiving results is streamlined for user convenience, maintaining discretion throughout the process. Employers and individuals alike can trust the integrity of our operations, assured of their privacy. The straightforward approach reduces anxiety and simplifies the process for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Parkerfield, KS
Our competitive pricing structures in Parkerfield make hair follicle testing accessible for companies, regardless of size. Coupled with quick turnaround times, we offer excellent value and quality assurance, putting companies at ease with efficient processing.
Businesses benefit from the balance of affordability and speed, ensuring that testing doesn't disrupt operations. Prompt results at reasonable costs help employers make timely decisions, supporting a proactive approach to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Parkerfield, KS
Hair follicle drug testing in Parkerfield offers unmatched precision and timeliness in delivering results. The high accuracy of these tests ensures efficient detection of substance use, providing employers with dependable data. Compared to other methods, hair testing displays a notable edge with its ability to accurately determine drug use instances.
With its quick processing time, hair follicle testing enables prompt decision-making, reducing the waiting period for results. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining workplace productivity and safety. Employers can rely on the swift and reliable outcomes these tests provide, ensuring their teams remain drug-free and focused on their tasks.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Parkerfield, KS
Adopting hair follicle testing in Parkerfield ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind. Reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, these tests play a vital role in maintaining a secure work environment.
Employers can rely on the accuracy and reliability of hair testing to enforce zero-tolerance policies effectively. By offering a clear overview of an individual's substance use, hair tests help companies avoid potential issues and ensure a productive, drug-free workspace.