Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers an extended history of various substances by encasing biomarkers in the strands' fibers as hair grows. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can reveal substance use within roughly a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is convenient.
A 1.5-inch strand sample including approximately 200 strands (resembling the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, an ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. When performing EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's beneficial to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. In mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the sample's initial processing into the lab system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns it a unique random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves additional data input beyond what is provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. While it's a cost-efficient means to identify drug use across most samples, any positive findings must be further validated for court validity. Samples identified as potentially positive in Screening require additional verification.
In cases where Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the sample for further preparation during Extraction. Drugs are extracted from the hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluids, which is why hair screening presents a higher challenge.
Positive findings from Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples showing potential positive results are cleaned before this step as necessary. The whole process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed following both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", it's the hair strand itself that is analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Prevails in Ages, KY: Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing demonstrates superior accuracy and reliability. The absorption of drug traces into hair provides a more consistent and longer detection period, making it a preferred choice for organizations with stringent policies.
Urine tests, while effective for recent use, lack the comprehensive insight provided by hair tests, which detect use over a longer timeline, ensuring thorough evaluation processes.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Ages, KY, offers a remarkable detection period of up to 90 days. This duration allows employers to gain a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, crucial for informed decision-making.
Comprehensive Review: Utilizing this extended window, companies can ensure their workforce aligns with drug-free policies, employing individuals who meet the required standards long-term.
Tamper-Resistant Method: A significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Ages, KY, is its reduced risk of sample adulteration. The nature of hair tests deters attempts to alter results, providing trustworthy outcomes consistently.
Samples collected through this method ensure that results remain untainted and reliable, offering organizations certainty and confidence in drug testing processes.
Convenient Locations: Residents of Ages, KY benefit from our comprehensive nationwide network of testing centers. Accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free, with local facilities available to meet immediate needs.
The extensive coverage ensures tests are conducted efficiently, providing communities across the region with accessible services whenever necessary.
Simple and Confidential: The process of hair follicle testing in Ages, KY is designed to be both user-friendly and secure. Ordering, performing, and receiving results occur seamlessly, prioritizing customer privacy.
Confidentiality is upheld throughout, providing customers with peace of mind while ensuring that the entire procedure is straightforward and devoid of unnecessary complications.
Affordable Pricing: We offer hair follicle testing in Ages, KY with competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Our services are structured to provide excellent value without compromising quality.
Businesses of varying sizes can opt for this method, confident in receiving quick results that offer assurance and compliance with drug-free policies at a reasonable cost.
Fast and Accurate, hair follicle testing in Ages, KY provides results that are both dependable and prompt. This testing method is renowned for its high accuracy in detecting substance use, offering assurance to those who need quick yet reliable outcomes.
Employers, courts, and individuals can benefit from this precision testing, ensuring confidence in the results. Hair tests not only detect drug use efficiently, but also ensure that decisions are based on solid evidence.
Compliance & Peace of Mind: Hair follicle testing in Ages, KY supports employer goals for maintaining a drug-free workplace, reducing legal exposure and enhancing safety measures.
This testing method aligns with zero-tolerance policies, ensuring that companies comply with regulations. Enhancing workplace stability through reliable testing provides employers with the reassurance they seek.
