Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective resource for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by holding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When obtained close to the scalp, hair provides approximately a 90-day window of detection for alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hairs (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair might be collected. In discussing head hair, it solely refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial quick examination for substances of abuse. While an economical way to rule out drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screening must be confirmed to be admissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that show presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are separated from the hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are subjected to washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is checked under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself inspects the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Valley Center, KS provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. It tracks drug use over a more extended period, delivering a more comprehensive analysis. While urine tests focus on recent consumption, hair analysis uncovers a longer history, offering better monitoring for employers.
The extended detection period of hair tests surpasses that of urine testing, making it a preferred choice for employers with zero-tolerance policies. This method's reliability enhances its attractiveness among those looking for precise drug use detection.
In Valley Center, KS, the extended detection window of up to 90 days makes hair follicle testing an indispensable tool. This broader timeframe provides employers with comprehensive insights into an individual's substance use history, becoming crucial in decision-making processes. Hair tests reveal historical drug intake, contributing to a stable and responsible workforce.
Understanding an individual's long-term substance habits is possible with hair analysis. Employers can glean historical data spanning up to three months, enabling informed employment decisions while ensuring workplace safety.
Hair follicle tests in Valley Center, KS, reduce the risk of sample tampering, enhancing the reliability of results. Unlike urine samples, hair tests are less susceptible to adulteration techniques, ensuring trustworthy findings. This robust testing method decreases the likelihood of deception, affirming the test's credibility and accuracy.
The integrity of hair follicle testing remains nearly indisputable due to its resistance to tampering. With stringent collection processes, it offers peace of mind to testers and employers, ensuring that the results reflect true substance usage.
In Valley Center, KS, our widely available testing centers ensure convenient access to hair follicle drug testing services. With locations spanning nationwide, scheduling a test is straightforward and hassle-free. This accessibility benefits employers and individuals, reducing delays and facilitating prompt testing.
The network of local testing facilities supports Valley Center residents in accessing reliable drug testing. By offering numerous options, we accommodate various needs, ensuring testing is a seamless process for all involved.
In Valley Center, KS, the simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing is designed for ease of use and privacy. The streamlined procedure includes ordering, taking, and receiving results discreetly. This secure process ensures that individuals and organizations can confidently rely on accurate substance use assessments without compromising personal data.
Confidentiality remains paramount, with a user-friendly approach that respects privacy concerns. By maintaining discretion, we cater to the needs of those seeking substance testing without fear of data breaches or exposure.
Offering competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing in Valley Center, KS, provides excellent value alongside fast turnaround times. Affordable pricing ensures accessibility to high-quality drug testing services for companies of all sizes without sacrificing speed or reliability. Our tests deliver economic benefits and efficiency crucial for efficient decision-making.
For businesses, the cost-effectiveness enhances resource allocation by providing budget-friendly testing solutions. This affordability, combined with rapid results, offers peace of mind, facilitating seamless operations when monitoring workplace substance use.
In Valley Center, KS, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and accuracy. With rapid results delivery, these tests effectively detect substance use with precision. Hair testing offers a high level of assurance when it comes to identifying drug use, providing reliable findings in a swift manner.
Offering a combination of fast turnaround and precise detection, hair follicle testing stands out as a preferred choice. Its efficiency ensures timely results, crucial for workplace testing protocols, while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
For employers in Valley Center, KS, utilizing hair follicle testing promotes compliance with drug-free policies and enhances workplace safety. It mitigates legal risks associated with hiring and fosters a healthy work environment. Hair testing ensures comprehensive monitoring, aligning with organizational goals of a drug-free workplace.
This testing approach offers employers peace of mind, knowing they adhere to industry standards. By choosing hair tests, companies minimize the risk of legal complications stemming from workplace drug use, safeguarding both employees and the organization.
