Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has become a potent means of identifying the use of substances such as drugs and alcohol. Through capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair reveals an extended timeline of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage for up to an estimated three-month period. Hair collection proves to be straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. In terms of head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair pertains to all other hair categories (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result is comprised of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This involves verifying that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any requisite data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, any positive screening requires validation for legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Upon a sample being presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and curated for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at far lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process when necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, along with the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
In Valley Falls, KS, hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days.
Employers and legal professionals value hair testing for its enhanced reliability and accurate results. This method offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use, proving invaluable in various scenarios.
Hair follicle testing in Valley Falls, KS, is lauded for its extended detection window, providing insights into drug use over a 90-day period. This comprehensive view helps employers assess an individual's substance history.
The ability to detect long-term substance use through hair tests offers a clear advantage over shorter-term tests. Employers gain a deeper understanding of an applicant or employee's habits, aiding in informed decision-making.
Valley Falls, KS, relies on hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant qualities, significantly reducing sample adulteration risks. This method ensures results are reliable and trustworthy.
Hair tests are conducted under strict observation, making it nearly impossible to alter or tamper with a sample. This credibility is crucial for employers needing assurance in their drug testing processes.
Convenience is key at our Valley Falls, KS testing facilities. Nationwide and local centers ensure quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing.
With numerous testing locations, accessing required services is a seamless process, making hair follicle testing a convenient choice for individuals and businesses alike.
Valley Falls, KS residents can benefit from a simple and confidential hair follicle testing process. From ordering to receiving results, privacy and ease-of-use are guaranteed.
The straightforward process ensures confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns and making the testing experience stress-free for users.
In Valley Falls, KS, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing with swift turnaround times. This provides companies of all sizes with excellent value and peace of mind.
Affordable pricing structures ensure that high-quality testing is accessible to all, while quick results help maintain efficient business operations.
Hair follicle testing in Valley Falls, KS, ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results. Its precision in identifying substance use is unmatched, making it a top choice for employers who prioritize accuracy.
The efficiency of hair tests comes from their precise detection methods, allowing for swift results that employers can depend upon. Their reliability makes them invaluable in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
For employers in Valley Falls, KS, hair follicle testing offers the dual benefits of compliance and peace of mind. It ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks.
Employers can rely on hair testing to enhance workplace safety. Its dependable results help maintain confident adherence to legal and safety standards, reducing potential for disputes.