Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent technique for detecting substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair can capture biomarkers within the strands as they grow, offering a historical record of drug and alcohol consumption. When hair is cut near the scalp, it can show usage history covering up to a three-month period. Hair is easy to gather, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair segment consisting of around 200 strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is an optimal quantity for both initial and confirmatory testing. For tests involving EtG, additional assessments, or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to determine the specimen’s weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount from body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair forms (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The key steps in getting a lab drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with bringing a sample into the lab system. It checks if the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a rapid preliminary check for substance abuse. It's a cost-efficient method to discount most drug use, but a positive result needs confirmation to be legally credible. Specimens testing positive at this stage require further verification.
In cases where a sample tests positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are then isolated from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the more complex methodologies.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used to confirm any positive screening findings. Before confirmation, positive samples undergo washing if needed. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair itself, excluding the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bedford, KY
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing in Bedford, KY. The prolonged detection window and heightened reliability make hair testing superior in accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are less invasive and harder to manipulate, ensuring that results truly reflect an individual's substance consumption over time.
Extended Detection Window in Bedford, KY
Hair follicle tests offer an impressive detection window, identifying substance use up to 90 days prior. This expansive timeframe provides a comprehensive view of an individual's drug habits, far surpassing the brief detection period of urine tests. For Bedford, KY employers seeking a deeper understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug use over the months, hair testing is unmatched.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bedford, KY
Hair follicle tests are a highly tamper-resistant method for drug screening in Bedford, KY. They significantly diminish the chances of sample adulteration, providing results that are both credible and trustworthy. That assurance is pivotal for employers and organizations needing unwavering reliability in their substance testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bedford, KY
Our accredited testing centers are spread nationwide, making it extraordinarily convenient for Bedford, KY residents to access top-notch drug testing services. With easy, hassle-free testing processes and local centers, achieving fast results is effortless, transforming the drug testing experience into a seamless one.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bedford, KY
Embarking on hair follicle testing in Bedford, KY is a straightforward affair. The entire process, from ordering to receiving results, guarantees simplicity and confidentiality, respecting privacy and encouraging ease of use. This approachable and discreet service supports individuals who value their privacy while ensuring effective substance screening.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bedford, KY
Our competitive pricing for hair follicle testing in Bedford, KY ensures excellent value for clients. Combined with swift turnaround times, our services deliver rapid, cost-effective results, perfect for businesses of all sizes. This financial and operational efficiency underscores the transformative potential of hair testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bedford, KY
When precision is crucial, hair follicle testing in Bedford, KY stands out due to its remarkable accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests provide quick and reliable results, ensuring that individuals and organizations can swiftly make informed decisions. The process is designed to deliver results efficiently, helping you confidently assess any substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bedford, KY
Employers in Bedford, KY can gain peace of mind and assured compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. The robust testing method not only helps meet regulatory requirements but also mitigates legal risks, fostering a safer, more productive work environment through reliable substance detection.
