Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis serves as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lasting record of exposure to alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can offer an indication of drug or alcohol use spanning roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches from approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, optimal for both initial screening and validation. For EtG, supplemental tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be substituted. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test result encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This involves confirming the sample's sealing and shipment integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial brief screening for drug abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated for legal acceptability. Samples testing presumptive positive in Screening require an additional confirmation step.
When a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is derived from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing one of the demanding procedures.
Verification of any positive screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleaned as needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Ekron, KY, the advantages of hair follicle testing outweigh traditional urine tests. Hair tests have a significantly longer detection window, allowing for identification of habitual drug use.
Unlike urine tests that detect recent use, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy, capturing instances of drug use over a longer period. Their reliability gives employers an edge in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle tests in Ekron, KY are distinguished by their extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This allows employers to achieve a deeper insight into an individual's substance use history.
This longer detection period grants a comprehensive view, surpassing what urine tests can discern. Employers can rely on these tests for more informed evaluations of their employees or prospective hires.
In Ekron, KY, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the chance of sample adulteration, hence ensuring accurate results.
This method is observed thoroughly, making it nearly impossible to manipulate, unlike urine samples which can be easily contaminated or substituted. The reliability of hair testing provides peace of mind for both testers and clients.
Our numerous nationwide testing centers, including strategic locations in Ekron, KY, exemplify the convenience we offer, ensuring fast and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services.
This expansive network allows individuals and companies alike easy access to top-notch testing facilities. Wherever you are, a reliable testing center is within reach, simplifying the testing process significantly.
In Ekron, KY, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, catering to privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use from start to finish.
Clients can effortlessly order, take, and receive results with confidentiality assured. Each step is designed to be straightforward, maintaining the dignity and privacy of every individual tested.
Accredited Drug Testing in Ekron, KY is known for its affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value for companies regardless of their size.
Competitive pricing structures make drug testing accessible, while quick result processing helps organizations make timely and effective decisions without breaking the bank. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you have invested in quality at a reasonable cost.
The hair follicle drug tests in Ekron, KY are renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision in detecting a wide range of substances ensures confidence in its outcomes.
In only a few days, results from hair follicle tests are processed, making it a swift method for drug testing that doesn't compromise on accuracy. Employers and agencies in Ekron can trust these dependable tests to make vital decisions quickly.
For employers in Ekron, KY, implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal liabilities.
By integrating this testing method, organizations can enhance workplace safety and maintain a healthy, productive work environment. Such thorough testing supports a company's commitment to maintaining professionalism and security.
