Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures biomarkers within the fibers of developing hair strands, providing a prolonged record of substance use. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hair strands, equivalent to a pencil in diameter, will yield 100mg, the preferred quantity for evaluative testing. For EtG, supplemental, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. For accuracy, weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types like facial and underarm hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab primarily consists of these stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory step, where the sample is logged into the lab's system. This stage confirms that the sample was securely sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing information not available from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substances. Although an economical method to exclude drug presence in most samples, any positive finding in Screening must undergo confirmation to hold up in legal contexts. All samples indicating a possible positive during Screening necessitate further validation.
In instances of potential positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair screening presents the most complexity.
For validation of positive screenings, techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Prior to confirmation, any sample hinting at positivity is thoroughly cleaned. The process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair itself, not the root beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stanley, KS
In contrast to standard urine screenings, hair follicle testing excels due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests might miss recent use, hair tests depict a comprehensive drug history. With a 90-day window, hair analysis offers a thorough insight, reducing dependency on less reliable traditional methods for long-term substance detection.
Extended Detection Window in Stanley, KS
The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use for up to 90 days provides an extensive view of an individual's substance history, invaluable for employers seeking a thorough evaluation of applicants or current employees. This extended period allows better insight into long-term behaviors, surpassing the limited windows offered by other testing forms.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stanley, KS
The robustness of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering and adulteration. This method minimizes risks compared to urine tests which can be more easily manipulated. Hair testing upholds the integrity of results, ensuring confidence and reliability, which are crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment in any context.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stanley, KS
Our expansive network of testing centers, including those in Stanley, KS guarantees seamless access to services nationwide. This widespread availability ensures that individuals can conveniently undergo testing without unnecessary delays, facilitating an efficient and hassle-free process for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stanley, KS
Hair follicle testing in Stanley offers a straightforward and private approach from start to finish. From ordering to obtaining results, each step respects personal privacy while ensuring ease of use, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and simplifying the drug testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stanley, KS
Our competitive pricing coupled with quick result delivery makes hair follicle testing a cost-effective option. Organizations, regardless of size, benefit from the excellent value offered, ensuring peace of mind through budget-friendly services that do not compromise on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stanley, KS
Hair follicle drug testing provides results rapidly, coupling speed with remarkable precision. Its ability to accurately detect substance use outshines traditional methods, offering Stanley's residents thorough and dependable outcomes. This method's swift turnaround ensures informed decisions without delay, making it an exceptional choice for timely substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stanley, KS
Implementing hair follicle drug testing ensures employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies with greater assurance. This approach mitigates legal uncertainties while promoting a secure and healthy work environment, providing peace of mind through rigorous compliance and enhanced safety measures.