Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to nearly a 3-month period. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple for shipping.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair only while 'body hair' covers all other types (face, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This phase verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold up in court. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenge of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives are subject to washing before confirmation when required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is subject to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests," these tests actually examine the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Varner, KS
In Varner, KS, hair follicle testing is consistently proving to be superior to traditional urine tests. The longer detection window allows for greater insight into a person's substance use pattern. Employers benefit from more reliable results that are less prone to manipulation, making hair tests an effective tool in maintaining workplace safety.
Extended Detection Window in Varner, KS
Hair follicle testing provides an extended window for detecting drug use, offering up to a 90-day retrospective on an individual's substance history. This longer detection period gives employers in Varner, KS, a more detailed understanding of an employee or applicant’s drug use, making it an invaluable component of robust hiring practices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Varner, KS
The likelihood of tampering with hair follicle tests is significantly lower than other testing methods. In Varner, KS, this reliability offers businesses assurance that the test results accurately reflect an individual’s substance use, as the chance for sample adulteration is minimal, promoting trust and credibility.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide, Including Varner, KS
With numerous testing centers across the nation, including local options in Varner, KS, access to hair follicle drug testing services is convenient and straightforward. Our locations provide seamless and hassle-free experiences, ensuring that testing needs are met promptly and efficiently, no matter where you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in Varner, KS
Our streamlined testing process in Varner, KS, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring that individuals can undergo testing with minimal stress. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to protect privacy while guaranteeing the process is as user-friendly as possible.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Varner, KS
Offering competitive pricing and swift processing times, hair follicle testing provides excellent value for businesses in Varner, KS. Our cost-effective solutions are tailored to meet the needs of companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive timely and accurate results without breaking the budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Varner, KS
The precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice in Varner, KS. These tests provide highly accurate detection of substance use, ensuring reliable assessments. With the ability to process multiple samples efficiently, individuals and organizations benefit from quick turnaround times and confidence in the results.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Varner, KS
By adopting hair follicle testing for substance use, employers in Varner, KS, can ensure their work environment aligns with drug-free workplace policies. This compliance reduces the risks associated with legal issues and enhances overall safety, leading to a more secure and productive workplace.
