Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term biomarkers within the fibers as it grows, offering an extensive history of usage. Collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG testing, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" exclusively refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test outcome in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a specimen is initially integrated into the lab's system, confirming proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry absent in electronic chain of custody protocols.
Screening constitutes a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. This cost-efficient method helps eliminate drug usage in most samples, though a positive finding necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening require a further confirmation step.
Should a sample return presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than in methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmed positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive specimens undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Crutchfield, KY
The advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests are substantial in terms of accuracy and reliability. Hair testing offers superior detection capabilities, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Crutchfield, KY
Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection period, identifying substance use up to 90 days prior, offering employers a thorough understanding of an employee's drug use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Crutchfield, KY
Hair follicle tests resist sample tampering effectively, ensuring reliable and indisputable outcomes that maintain the integrity of the testing process and results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Crutchfield, KY
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures convenient, prompt, and effortless access to drug testing services for our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Crutchfield, KY
We offer a straightforward and confidential process for arranging, conducting, and receiving drug test results, catering to privacy concerns and enhancing user convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Crutchfield, KY
Our cost-effective pricing models and prompt result delivery assure excellent value and peace of mind for businesses of any size, emphasizing affordability and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Crutchfield, KY
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed, swiftly offering high-accuracy results in detecting substance use. This method is integral for employers aiming for quick and reliable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Crutchfield, KY
By integrating hair follicle testing, employers align with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal implications and reinforcing workplace safety and reliability.
