Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol through biomarkers stored in the strands as hair grows. When samples are taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximate thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or for tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes any other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This step entails confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for potential drug abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that are potentially positive during Screening need further verification.
If a sample is suspected of being positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies to execute successfully.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples deemed potentially positive undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Douglass Hills, KY, is increasingly preferred over traditional urine tests. Its notable advantage lies in superior detection and accuracy. Hair tests offer reliability and are less prone to tampering. They provide a longer history of substance use, up to 90 days, compared to urine's shorter window, granting employers a detailed insight into an individual's history.
In Douglass Hills, KY, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a significant benefit. These tests can identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days, providing employers and authorities with a comprehensive understanding of a person’s substance intake history. This extended timeframe is invaluable for making informed decisions regarding employment or legal standing.
Hair follicle tests in Douglass Hills, KY, offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. The method reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring that results remain reliable and trustworthy. This robustness is crucial for maintaining integrity in testing outcomes, providing peace of mind to both individuals being tested and the entities requiring these assessments.
In Douglass Hills, KY, the convenience of our nationwide and local testing centers ensures quick and easy access to testing services. Accessibility to these facilities simplifies the testing process, making it hassle-free for both individuals and organizations to undertake necessary drug evaluations. Our vast network guarantees efficient service for all clients.
In Douglass Hills, KY, the process of conducting hair follicle drug tests is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure user privacy. Addressing privacy concerns, our process is both straightforward and discreet, helping individuals to undertake assessments with confidence and ease.
Douglass Hills, KY offers competitive pricing for hair follicle drug testing, teamed with a quick turnaround time. This provides excellent value for organizations of all sizes, ensuring that quality and affordability go hand in hand. Companies benefit from timely and cost-effective testing, reinforcing trust and peace of mind.
In Douglass Hills, KY, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its fast and accurate results. This method offers a high level of precision, swiftly identifying substance use and ensuring dependable outcomes. The quick turnaround time ensures that individuals and organizations receive timely information, facilitating informed decision-making without delays.
For employers in Douglass Hills, KY, utilizing hair follicle tests ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by providing reliable and robust results. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing that they are upholding stringent standards and reducing the likelihood of drug-related incidents.
