Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling is perceived as an effective instrument for identifying the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as hair grows. Hair samples taken close to the scalp can provide a detection timeframe for up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) at the point closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair is a suitable alternative. When we mention head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages of laboratory drug test result handling include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the sample’s initial entry into the laboratory system, confirming the sample’s proper seal and shipment, allocating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and managing any further data not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective means to exclude drug use among most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening do require subsequent confirmation.
In instances where a sample emerges as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), signifying that hair drug analysis is amongst the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation, following a positive screen, is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumably positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Coldstream, KY, hair follicle testing emerges as the superior alternative to urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy. The hair follicle method's reliability is unmatched, offering a robust assessment, particularly for long-term substance use, thus providing more comprehensive data than traditional urine testing.
Hair follicle testing in Coldstream, KY, provides an extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to assess an individual's substance use history thoroughly, granting a more detailed overview of drug use compared to other methods, thus aiding in making informed employment decisions.
Coldstream, KY, relies on hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant nature. This testing significantly minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring that results are both reliable and indisputable. Such integrity in testing is crucial for trust in the data obtained, maintaining the authenticity of each test conducted.
In Coldstream, KY, our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures convenient and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services. These local and widely available facilities make it simple for individuals to undergo testing promptly and efficiently, meeting the demands of various clients.
Coldstream, KY, offers a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From the ordering phase to receiving results, every step emphasizes privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns clients might have, and ensuring a seamless and private testing experience.
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Coldstream, KY, provides excellent value. This affordability allows companies of all sizes to access reliable testing without financial strain, ensuring quick results while maintaining budgetary considerations.
Hair follicle testing in Coldstream, KY, offers fast and precise results, making it a leading choice for substance detection. Known for its high accuracy, this method efficiently identifies drug use, providing dependable data that individuals and organizations rely on for decision-making, ensuring reliability and confidence in the results delivered.
Employers in Coldstream, KY, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks while enhancing safety, providing peace of mind through its reliable data and supporting a secure and productive work environment.
