Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling is regarded as a potent method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures long-term substance use history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg, an optimal sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen weight. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial introduction of a sample into the system of a laboratory. It includes checks for proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial cursory inspection for substance abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to discount drug usage in most samples, a positive result from screening must be validated for court acceptance. Any presumptive positive results from Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a challenging technique.
Confirmation of any positive screening findings is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation where necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, receives scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the strand of hair and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Creekside, KY, the superiority of hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing is evident in several aspects. Hair tests offer a much longer detection period, typically up to 90 days, whereas urine tests are limited to a few days. This extended window allows for a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing is less invasive and largely eliminates cheating possibilities, ensuring results are more trustworthy. The observed collection process also guarantees the integrity of the samples gathered, providing added reliability.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle tests in Creekside, KY can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior. This long timeframe provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance habits, allowing for more informed employment decisions.
The extended window effectively covers a broad range of drug use, offering insights into periods not covered by urine tests. For businesses, this means a more reliable assessment of an applicant's or employee's long-term integrity and compliance with company policies.
Hair follicle testing in Creekside, KY offers a tamper-resistant solution for drug screening. The design of these tests significantly curtails the risk of sample manipulation, making the results both reliable and indisputable.
The inherent nature of hair collection and testing makes it tough for subjects to alter or cheat, unlike other testing methods. This increases the reliability of the outcomes, giving employers and authorities confidence in their accuracy.
Our convenient network of testing locations across the nation, including in Creekside, KY, ensures quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services. Our nationwide centers are designed to provide easy and prompt testing solutions for all clients.
The widespread availability of testing centers eliminates the inconvenience of extensive travel, making the process smoother for both employers and individuals needing a test.
The hair follicle testing process in Creekside, KY is a simple, confidential procedure. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is streamlined to ensure privacy and ease of use throughout the testing experience.
Concerns about confidentiality are addressed with rigorous standards in handling and reporting test outcomes. By simplifying the testing process, users experience minimum stress and maximum privacy, leading to enhanced user satisfaction.
In Creekside, KY, we emphasize our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structures offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing quality or speed.
The rapid delivery of results helps organizations swiftly navigate hiring or compliance decisions, reducing wait times significantly and providing timely insights into substance use.
In Creekside, KY, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of hair testing is unmatched, offering high accuracy in identifying substance use. This timely detection ensures that results are provided quickly, aiding employers and individuals in decision-making.
The speed at which hair tests are processed ensures minimal delay, allowing businesses to swiftly move forward with hiring decisions. By detecting even trace amounts of substances, hair tests present a dependable method for assessing drug use.
Employers in Creekside, KY can experience compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks while promoting a safer work environment.
By implementing hair testing, employers demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a substance-free workplace, which can enhance the overall safety and morale of the workforce. It also reassures employers that they are complying with relevant regulations and standards.
