Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tribune, KS

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments have gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term timeline of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to alter, and simple to dispatch.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluation and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The procedure for laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step comprises ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary assessment for potential drug use. While Screening serves as an economical means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, confirmation of a positive screen is required for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.

For samples testing presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening output is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Difficult to manipulate: Hair drug assessments are challenging to counterfeit, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Supplies historical data: It offers a pattern of drug intake over time, beyond recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It generally takes 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments tend to be more costly compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Influences like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the assessment examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Tribune, KS, hair follicle testing presents a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. This method offers multiple advantages, including extended detection and increased reliability. While a urine test reveals recent drug use, hair testing unveils a more comprehensive history of substance activity. The longer detection capability makes hair testing invaluable for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Tribune, KS provides an extensive detection window that uncovers drug use for up to 90 days. This offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, which is essential for making informed hiring or compliance decisions. By analyzing hair samples, businesses gain deeper insights into past substance use, compared to other methods that offer a shorter timeframe.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Tribune, KS, hair follicle drug testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method. Its nature significantly minimizes the risks of sample adulteration, ensuring the credibility of results. For employers, this translates into peace of mind, knowing the data obtained is both reliable and accurate, thus minimizing the likelihood of inaccuracies due to tampering often associated with other test types.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient testing centers nationwide and in Tribune, KS, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward. Our numerous locations ensure that individuals and employers enjoy a hassle-free experience when attending tests. This readily available network eliminates logistical challenges, enabling efficient completion of required testing without unnecessary delays.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Tribune, KS, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, procedures are designed to be user-friendly while prioritizing privacy. Each step ensures that individuals' concerns regarding ease of use and confidentiality are addressed, creating a seamless testing experience free from unnecessary stress.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Tribune, KS businesses benefit from affordable pricing and rapid turnaround with hair follicle testing. Competitive rates ensure companies of all sizes can manage costs effectively, while fast result processing allows quick decision-making. This service offers unmatched value by balancing economies with prompt, reliable results, integrating convenience in every step.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Tribune, KS ensure that results are both accurate and swift. The method excels in detecting substance use, providing employers with timely and reliable data. Completed in a well-observed process, hair testing eliminates uncertainties associated with other drug test methods, proving itself as a robust solution for modern needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Tribune, KS, find assurance in hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing approach reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety. By choosing hair follicle tests, businesses can demonstrate a proactive stance on substance use, which translates into a safer and more compliant working environment.

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