Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a crucial method for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands maintain a prolonged record of substance consumption by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair analysis can reveal drug and alcohol intake for a period of up to three months. The procedure for collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, approximately equivalent to 200 strands of hair or the thickness of a #2 pencil, is required close to the scalp to obtain 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis and validation. For extended panels or EtG, a specimen of 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, the collection of a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. “Head hair†refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas “body hair†encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first entered into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipping are intact, assigns it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any required data entry beyond what the electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While this stage offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result requires further confirmation for legal admissibility. Therefore, any presumptive positives from Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is managed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes a review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shallow Water, KS Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine samples that detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview of substance use over several months. This extensive window makes hair testing a reliable option, highlighting consistent patterns of behavior rather than isolated incidents.
The integrity of hair samples is also less likely to be compromised due to their collection method. For employers, this means fewer instances of sample tampering and more trustworthy results. Hair testing's ability to detect over a long period showcases its unparalleled effectiveness compared to short-term urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Shallow Water, KS One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period, which can span up to 90 days. This long-term overview assists employers in assessing an individual's history of substance use over a significant timeframe, providing insights that are not possible with other methods like urine tests.
This extended window helps businesses gain a more thorough understanding of an individual's drug use patterns. The ability to retrospectively measure substances offers employers an invaluable tool for making informed decisions regarding hiring and employee management, ensuring a better-aligned workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shallow Water, KS Hair follicle drug testing offers robust protection against sample adulteration, significantly reducing the risk of tampering. The collection process, which is observed and handled professionally, limits opportunities for sample alteration, ensuring authenticity and credibility.
Employers benefit from this level of security, making hair testing a preferred option over methods more susceptible to fraud. With its tamper-resistant nature, organizations can have greater confidence in the results, reflecting true and honest outcomes and enhancing policy compliance.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shallow Water, KS With our extensive network of testing centers, obtaining a hair follicle test is both convenient and efficient. Nationwide availability ensures that services are within reach for everyone, including residents of Shallow Water, KS, making the process user-friendly and accessible.
Our local presence in Shallow Water facilitates easy access to testing services, minimizing travel and reducing wait times. This accessibility means that individuals and businesses can quickly proceed with the required tests, streamlining operations and providing peace of mind.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shallow Water, KS Our hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be straightforward, assuring clients of a smooth experience from order to results. Privacy is paramount; test procedures and outcomes remain confidential, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
The process is streamlined to enhance convenience, with clear instructions provided at every step. This attention to detail ensures that clients in Shallow Water receive efficient service with confidentiality respected throughout their testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shallow Water, KS Our competitive pricing structure makes hair follicle testing accessible to companies of all sizes, providing excellent value. Additionally, the quick turnaround of results underscores our commitment to delivering timely information, crucial for decision-making processes.
By choosing our testing services, businesses benefit from cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. This balance of affordability and rapid results reinforces trust, ensuring a valuable partnership that supports effective workforce management.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shallow Water, KS Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed, offering swift and accurate substance detection. Its thorough analysis can identify drug use reliably, providing vital insights within a short period. This quick turnaround not only streamlines processes but also enhances decision-making accuracy for employers in Shallow Water, KS.
Hair follicle tests capture a wide range of substances, delivering results that are highly dependable. The advanced technology involved ensures meticulous detection, making these tests a favored choice for those in need of rapid and reliable outcomes. This efficiency is particularly valued by employers looking to maintain a drug-free environment efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shallow Water, KS Utilizing hair follicle testing can significantly strengthen compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal risks. By implementing this testing method, companies can ensure a safer work environment and uphold their commitment to employee well-being.
Hair testing helps employers align with regulatory requirements efficiently. By establishing a rigorous testing process, businesses safeguard their operations against potential liabilities, contributing to a more secure and harmonious workplace atmosphere.
