Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair may offer around a 3-month detection window for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect and transport, and tampering with it is relatively challenging.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" references only scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing stage where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system, confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing additional data entry if an electronic chain of custody system doesn’t provide it.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drug presence. While this is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive results require confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are potentially positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample be potentially positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than via other methods (like urine or oral fluid), posing a challenge for hair drug screening.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cannonsburg, KY. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers a superior detection accuracy. Hair tests have a proclivity for identifying long-term drug use remains, whereas urine tests could miss intermittent or long-term use due to shorter detection windows. This reliability gives a comprehensive glimpse into an individual's drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Cannonsburg, KY. One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which stretches up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a holistic understanding of an individual’s substance history, whether during the hiring process or for regular employee evaluations, painting a clearer picture of consistent substance behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cannonsburg, KY. Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the chance of result tampering. Their collection method and analysis technology make it burdensomely difficult to adulterate. The reliability and trustworthiness of these tests offer dependable insights into substance use, ensuring results that are beyond reproach and fostering trust among test interpreters.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cannonsburg, KY. Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide guarantees quick, easy, and hassle-free testing services. With local access available in Cannonsburg, KY, individuals find it convenient to schedule and partake in testing, removing barriers to assessing drug use while ensuring seamless service coverage.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cannonsburg, KY. The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is streamlined and confidential. This simplicity addresses privacy concerns, ensuring individuals feel comfortable and assured throughout the testing process, ultimately promoting trust and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cannonsburg, KY. Competitive pricing structures alongside quick result turnaround times underscore the exceptional value provided by hair follicle testing. Businesses, regardless of size, can leverage these cost-effective measures to maintain high standards without sacrificing fiscal prudence.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cannonsburg, KY. Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their unparalleled precision and speed. In today's fast-paced environment, obtaining fast and accurate results is crucial. Hair testing methods are meticulously designed to ensure high accuracy in capturing substance use, providing a reliable solution for discerning drug use effectively.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cannonsburg, KY. Implementing hair follicle tests supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks. Besides ensuring compliance, these tests enhance workplace safety, offering confidence to employers that policies are lawfully and effectively enforced. This ultimately boosts peace of mind in any organizational setting.
