Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair fibers as they develop. When taken from the scalp area, hair can provide an estimated detection period of three months for alcohol and various drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing about 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result is comprised of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory's system. This includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be accepted in legal settings. Samples suspected of being positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample flags presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Preparation. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than seen in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
The Confirmation of any presumptive positive screenings is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair shaft rather than the follicle below the scalp
Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Scammon, KS? Hair testing shines with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests have a longer detection window, enabling a more comprehensive examination of drug use history. This ensures that employers receive a clearer picture of substance use and enhances trust in the results obtained.
Employers in Scammon, KS benefit from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. This method can identify drug use dating back up to 90 days, offering insight into an individual’s long-term substance behavior. This extensive timeframe is invaluable for gaining a thorough understanding of an applicant’s or employee’s past drug use, supporting informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Scammon, KS, is a tamper-resistant method that markedly decreases the chances of sample adulteration. The test’s inherent resistance to manipulation provides employers and other stakeholders with confidence in the results, which are considered reliable and incontrovertible, ensuring a trustworthy evaluation of drug use.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including locations in Scammon, KS, our service guarantees easy access to hair follicle drug tests. This facilitates quick and hassle-free testing experiences, ensuring that individuals and organizations can manage their testing requirements efficiently, no matter where they are situated.
Ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Scammon, KS is characterized by a simple, confidential process. Throughout the testing journey, privacy is a priority. Individuals can expect an unobtrusive procedure, with assurances that their personal information is protected and that result communication is both secure and streamlined.
Scammon, KS residents and employers can benefit from affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. Our competitive pricing structure, combined with speedy result processing, presents an excellent value, accommodating businesses of various sizes and supporting their need for timely, budget-friendly testing solutions.
In Scammon, KS, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. The methodology is unparalleled in precision, ensuring high accuracy for detecting substance use. With rapid result processing, hair testing is an efficient choice for those needing swift confirmations of drug or alcohol use without compromising reliability.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Scammon, KS, aids employers in maintaining workplace drug-free policies systematically, offering compliance and peace of mind. This approach minimizes legal risks while promoting a safe, productive work setting by enabling management to act on accurate and dependable substance use assessments.