Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a prolonged history of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers in the growing strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can show drug and alcohol use up to a period of about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it refers to scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab’s system, ensuring it was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any extra data not included through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for illicit substances. While cost-efficient for dismissing drug usage in most cases, a positive Screening must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Any sample indicating a potential positive in Screening needs further confirmation.
In cases where Screening results are tentatively positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS is utilized for confirming any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Reserve, KS
Hair testing is more reliable than traditionally used urine tests. Its significance lies in superior accuracy and reliability in substance detection, making it preferable among various testing methods.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a broader detection timeframe, allowing for an expansive overview of substance use history. This ensures a more reliable outcome in assessing drug use.
Prolonged Detection Period in Reserve, KS
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable detection window of up to 90 days, providing employers with an extensive substance use profile for individuals.
This method ensures a comprehensive view of an individual's history, making it indispensable for evaluating potential or current employees effectively. It offers a deeper insight into personal substance usage patterns.
Secure Testing Method in Reserve, KS
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chance of sample contamination or tampering, providing confident and undisputable results. This method ensures integrity.
By preventing modifications or adulteration, hair testing creates reliable outcomes, making it a trustworthy method for accurate substance use detection. It aids in maintaining the authenticity of samples.
Nationwide and Local Convenience in Reserve, KS
Effortless, Confidential Procedure in Reserve, KS
Competitive Pricing and Swift Turnaround in Reserve, KS
Speed and Accuracy in Reserve, KS
hair follicle drug tests provide quick and precise results. This testing method stands out for its ability to accurately detect substance use, enhancing the reliability of drug testing.
The method ensures results are both rapid and reliable, making it a preferred choice for those who need steadfast testing solutions, aiding in the swift identification of substance usage behaviors.
Ensuring Compliance and Employer Assurance in Reserve, KS
Employers can ensure the enforcement of drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing, minimizing the legal risks linked to drug use and safeguarding workplace safety.
Such testing fosters a secure working environment. It brings peace of mind through secure compliance with necessary protocols, maintaining regulatory standards.
