Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The application of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair, it offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it may reveal a drug or alcohol presence for a period of up to three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, less vulnerable to tampering, and easily transported.
Acquiring a sample measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair – the standard amount for analysis. To conduct tests such as EtG, additional services, or panels exceeding ten tests, a recommendation of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing the hair sample. In instances where scalp hair is not available, an equal volume of body hair may be utilized. It's important to note that head hair references specifically scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result typically involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into a lab's system. This step involves checking sample integrity, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any supplementary data that the electronic chain of custody system might lack.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in the majority of cases; however, a positive screen demands subsequent confirmation for legal admissibility. Any specimens yielding a presumptively positive result during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative procedures (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug tests among the most complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is carried out through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Pawnee Rock, KS, hair follicle testing stands out over traditional urine tests. Hair tests provide a superior detection timeline and are notably more reliable in identifying drug presence. This method allows for a broader view of an individual's substance history, which urine testing often fails to capture adequately.
Employers in Pawnee Rock, KS, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing, thanks to its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair tests can reveal substance use for up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history. This extended visibility aids in making informed hiring and employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant solution in Pawnee Rock, KS, to screen for drug use. The method significantly reduces the risk of altering samples, resulting in credible, indisputable results. This reliability makes it an essential tool for those needing accurate substance detection.
With convenient testing centers across the nation, including in Pawnee Rock, KS, accessing our services has never been easier. Our widespread locations ensure quick and hassle-free testing, meeting the needs of individuals and organizations seamlessly. This accessibility ensures testing is straightforward and efficient at every step.
Our confidential and simple process in Pawnee Rock, KS, makes it easier for individuals to undergo testing. With straightforward ordering, testing, and result delivery, we address privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. Users can trust in the secure handling of their personal information throughout the process.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround in Pawnee Rock, KS, our hair follicle drug testing services provide exceptional value. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive pricing and prompt results, saving time and resources while maintaining peace of mind regarding substance use screening.
In Pawnee Rock, KS, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a top choice. These tests are known for their rapid and highly accurate detection of substance use, setting a high standard for reliability. Users experience swift turnaround times for results, ensuring prompt insights into drug use history.
In Pawnee Rock, KS, hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety and productivity. Ensuring compliance offers peace of mind to employers who prioritize a safe working environment.