Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an efficient approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When clipped near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug usage data for up to a quarter year. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, ideal for analysis. For extended tests like EtG or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is preferable. It's suggested to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is processed into the lab's system, ensuring it was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional details not submitted through an electronic custody system.
The Screening phase involves a preliminary test for drugs of abuse. Although economical in ruling out drug use in many cases, confirmed results are required for legal admissibility. Samples that screen positively necessitate further confirmation.
For presumptively positive samples in Screening, additional hair from the sample is prepared for Extraction, where substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of positive results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized following CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Testing
Hair follicle testing in Anchorage, KY, boasts advantages over urine tests. While urine tests may show recent usage, hair tests provide detection over a longer period, up to 90 days. This ensures accuracy and reliability in identifying substance use, making hair testing superior for employers seeking comprehensive insights.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle drug testing offers an extended detection window, often up to 90 days. This longer duration enables employers in Anchorage, KY, to see a more thorough history of an individual's substance use, compared to shorter windows in other methods. The overarching time frame provides a detailed view of an applicant or employee's past activities.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, ensuring reliable outcomes. These tests reduce the possibility of sample adulteration when compared to alternative methods like urine testing. This provides Anchorage, KY, employers with trustworthy and credible results, minimizing manipulation and ensuring clarity in drug detection.
Convenient Testing Locations
Nationwide and local testing centers make it simple and hassle-free for individuals in Anchorage, KY, to access hair follicle testing services. Accredited Drug Testing ensures a seamless process with quick and accessible locations, catering to the needs of clients with ease and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process
The procedure for ordering and taking a hair follicle test in Anchorage, KY, is straightforward and discreet. We prioritize privacy at every step, from request to results, ensuring users have an easy and secure experience without concerns about confidentiality breaches.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Results
Offering competitive pricing, Accredited Drug Testing provides excellent value for companies in Anchorage, KY. With fast turnaround times, businesses receive prompt results while maintaining budget-friendly options. This combination delivers peace of mind with minimal wait time, catering to companies both large and small.
Fast, Accurate Results
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. Known for their high accuracy, these tests swiftly detect substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes in Anchorage, KY. Hair follicle testing leaves no room for doubt, offering rapid and precise results, solidifying its reputation as a trusted method for substance detection.
Compliance and Employer Assurance
Utilizing hair follicle drug testing fosters compliance with workplace drug-free protocols in Anchorage, KY. By doing so, businesses reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their drug testing methods are thorough and aligned with corporate policies.
