Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become acknowledged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug use. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands of hair (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil in width) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For further tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial treatment of a specimen within a lab’s system, ensuring proper sealing and shipment, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data input not provided by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for misuse of drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most specimens, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in a legal setting. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, more hair is sourced from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging to execute.
Analytical confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conformance to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dublin, KY
Hair testing stands head and shoulders above urine analysis due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike its traditional counterpart, hair testing can effectively reveal a longer history of substance exposure, thereby providing a more comprehensive look at an individual's usage patterns. This makes hair tests particularly valuable for employers, allowing them to maintain a safer work environment efficiently.
Extended Detection Window in Dublin, KY
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable detection window, spanning up to 90 days, presenting a detailed insight into past drug use. This extended timeframe empowers employers with a more thorough evaluation of a person's substance history, assisting in informed decision-making that aligns with workplace safety and compliance standards.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dublin, KY
One of the chief virtues of hair follicle testing is its near immunity to tampering. The process significantly mitigates risks of adulteration, delivering unquestionable and reliable results. By using this method, organizations can rest assured of the integrity and authenticity of test outcomes, elevating their trust in the overall testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dublin, KY
Our vast network of nationwide testing centers, including those in Dublin, KY, ensures easy access to reliable drug testing services. This extensive presence facilitates quick and hassle-free testing experiences, rendering it convenient for individuals and organizations alike, without sacrificing the quality and accuracy of results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dublin, KY
The hair follicle testing process is as straightforward as it is confidential, addressing privacy concerns with the utmost seriousness. From ordering to receiving the results, the procedure ensures simplicity and discretion, upholding the trust of clients who value their privacy, while also benefitting from vital substance use information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dublin, KY
We offer competitive pricing strategies along with rapid turnaround times, guaranteeing that our clients receive excellent service value. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective solutions without compromising on speed or accuracy, ultimately resulting in greater peace of mind and efficient decision-making processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dublin, KY
The hair follicle testing process is renowned for its precision and speed. These tests ensure high accuracy levels when identifying substance use, offering an expedient and dependable method for detecting drugs and alcohol. With the ability to deliver swift outcomes without compromising on the detail, hair testing continues to set benchmarks in the realm of chemical analysis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dublin, KY
Hair follicle testing underscores an organization's commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment, aligning with legal and safety regulations. This testing practice minimizes potential legal challenges, enhances workplace safety, and furnishes employers with the peace of mind that comes from adhering to impeccably stringent compliance standards.
