Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for revealing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a longitudinal record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection span of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximating a #2 pencil's circumference) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, deemed ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests extending beyond 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a similar volume of body hair can be used. When we talk about head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. All other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.) fall under body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is divided into four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial dispatch of a specimen through a lab’s framework. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any leftover data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for drug misuse. While it serves as an economical method to dismiss drug usage in numerous samples, sustaining a court-admissible result mandates confirming any positive screen. All samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples marked presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this juncture, drug compounds are isolated from hair, albeit at a much reduced concentration compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo a washing process as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory operation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests technically assess the hair strand and not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug testing methods in Rice, KS, hair follicle testing stands out in terms of accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests capture a longer timeline of substance use, making them superior for detection. Employers and legal authorities increasingly favor this method due to its comprehensive insights.
One of the defining features of hair follicle testing in Rice, KS, is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, this method provides employers with a thorough view of an individual’s history with substances, ensuring informed decision-making.
In Rice, KS, the robustness of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering. This method significantly mitigates the risk of sample adulteration, assuring employers and authorities of the authenticity and integrity of the results they receive.
Convenience is key with our nationwide testing services in Rice, KS, offering prompt and efficient access to hair follicle testing. Our centers are strategically located, enabling hassle-free testing experiences across the country as well as locally.
In Rice, KS, the process of hair follicle testing is streamlined to prioritize simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the entire procedure is designed to be user-friendly, assuring individuals of privacy and ease of use.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Rice, KS, provide great value. These cost-effective solutions cater to businesses of all sizes, delivering timely results without compromising on quality.
The effectiveness of hair follicle drug testing in Rice, KS, cannot be overstated. These tests are known for their speed and precision in identifying substance use. The advanced detection capabilities ensure that results are not only fast but reliable, making hair follicle testing a preferred choice for many.
For employers in Rice, KS, hair follicle testing enhances compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this testing method, businesses can reduce potential legal risks, ensuring a safer, more reliable working environment, thereby fostering peace of mind.
