Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair analysis has emerged as a significant approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be collected. When discussing head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four procedures involved in processing a drug test in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the primary handling of a sample into a laboratory system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched properly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive detection requires validation for court admissibility. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. In the Extraction phase, drugs are drawn from hair concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outperform urine tests in Seward, KS?
The primary advantage is its superior detection accuracy, extending up to 90 days.
This method offers a more reliable outcome compared to the conventional urine test.
In terms of reliability, hair testing clearly surpasses urine testing.
The propensity for hair tests to detect drugs long after use is unmatched.
For employers and legal systems, this level of precision and reliability is indispensable.
In Seward, KS, hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window.
This period, reaching up to 90 days, offers a comprehensive view of substance history.
Employers gain the advantage of assessing long-term drug use in candidates.
With a significant detection period, employers can make better-informed decisions.
The expansive time frame uncovers usage patterns that other methods might miss.
For applicants and employees, this means presenting a more accurate history of substance use.
Hair tests in Seward, KS, offer a stringent drug testing method.
Their design significantly reduces the risk of tampering or sample alteration.
This ensures results are reliable and not questioned by employers or legal authorities.
The robustness of hair follicle tests stems from their tamper-resistant nature.
Ensuring an untouched sample maintains the integrity of the testing process.
This reliability adds immense value for those prioritizing honest results.
Convenience is key with our Seward, KS, testing centers and nationwide locations.
Ease of access to test facilities allows for hassle-free drug testing services.
Our comprehensive network ensures a quick and straightforward testing experience.
Our broad testing network offers significant benefits for employers.
Facilities are easily accessible, minimizing delays for necessary drug testing.
The process is streamlined, from ordering to obtaining results efficiently.
Our testing process in Seward, KS, remains simple and confidential.
From ordering to receiving results, privacy concerns are addressed effectively.
The ease of the process ensures a user-friendly approach for all clients.
Maintaining confidentiality is a priority at every step of our hair testing service.
Clients can trust in a seamless experience from start to finish.
Simplicity enhances the client experience amidst necessary drug testing protocols.
Competitive pricing in Seward, KS, positions our testing services attractively.
Affordability combined with quick turnaround times provides great value.
Companies of varying sizes benefit from both cost-effective and efficient testing.
Fast processing and budget-friendly rates bolster our service offerings.
Clients receive high-quality results without the typical extended waiting periods.
This expedites hiring decisions, benefitting companies significantly.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Seward, KS, ensures rapid yet thorough analysis.
Their high precision in identifying substance use makes them indispensable.
Providing both quick and accurate results fortifies the testing's reliability.
Employers benefit from the certainty that comes with accurate test results.
Hair tests minimize errors, offering a trustworthy detection of substances used.
The speed and accuracy make these tests a top choice in today's drug screening landscape.
In Seward, KS, hair follicle testing aids in compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
Utilizing this testing method reduces potential legal liabilities.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are supporting a safe work environment.
The security of using hair tests fortifies workplace drug policies.
Aiding in safety and compliance simultaneously bolsters employer's confidence.
These methods reassure that policies align with best practices in drug testing.
