Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers in the hair shaft fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial screening and confirming. For EtG, specialized tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is preferable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair is not an option, an equal quantity of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The lab’s drug testing procedure includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample in the lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample's seal and shipment are intact, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Screening provides a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug use in most samples; however, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any sample presumed positive in Screening necessitates further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination processes the hair strand rather than the follicle underlying the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wolcott, KS
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests, particularly in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. In Wolcott, KS, hair tests detect substance use over a more extended period, ensuring thorough assessments. Far less susceptible to manipulation compared to urine tests, hair analyses sustain their credibility.
Extended Detection Window in Wolcott, KS
With the ability to detect substance use for up to 90 days, hair follicle testing provides employers in Wolcott, KS a comprehensive view of a candidate's or employee's drug use history. This extended detection period surpasses traditional methods, ensuring more informed and impactful hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wolcott, KS
Hair follicle tests present an almost fail-safe deterrent against sample tampering. In Wolcott, KS, the reliability of these tests secures unquestionable results, protecting the integrity of the testing process. By minimizing the risk of adulteration, stakeholders receive peace of mind and dependable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wolcott, KS
Our expansive network of testing centers guarantees easy access to services in Wolcott, KS, and beyond. Whether local or nationwide, our facilities provide convenience, ensuring the drug testing process is swift and hassle-free, accommodating diverse needs with simplicity and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wolcott, KS
The user-friendly protocol of arranging, administering, and receiving hair test results in Wolcott, KS places a premium on privacy and ease. Clients can expect a straightforward and secure experience, addressing any privacy concerns with professionalism, ensuring complete peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wolcott, KS
Our competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times provide exceptional value for entities in Wolcott, KS. Whether small businesses or large corporations, stakeholders experience cost-effectiveness and rapid results, reinforcing confidence in their investment in reliable and speedy testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wolcott, KS
Hair follicle drug tests provide quick and precise results in detecting substance use. Their accuracy surpasses traditional methods, assuring reliability. Residents of Wolcott, KS benefit from the rapid processing of hair analyses, ensuring timely responses and trustworthy outcomes for varying needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wolcott, KS
By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers in Wolcott, KS can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, negotiating legal challenges while enhancing safety. The robust nature of hair testing adds a layer of security, allowing employers to confidently maintain compliant and secure environments.
