Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by preserving biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. Samples taken near the scalp can offer an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to obtain, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, enhancements, and/or screenings above 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial handling of a sample in a lab's system. It involves confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial quick examination for drug abuse. Although it’s a cost-effective approach for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be acceptable in legal settings. Any samples that are presumptively positive require additional confirmation.
If a sample is marked as presumptively positive in Screening, further hair is retrieved from the original specimen and set for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation for positive screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The end-to-end laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both 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 called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is proving to be a superior choice over traditional urine tests in Emmalena, KY. Its unmatched detection accuracy offers a clearer and more reliable picture of substance use.
The advantages of hair follicle testing lie in its ability to detect a broader range of substances over an extended period, providing a level of precision that surpasses that of urine tests.
In Emmalena, KY, hair follicle testing provides an impressive extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering a remarkable view of drug usage history.
Unlike shorter-term tests, hair follicle screening captures a comprehensive history of substance use, providing employers with valuable insights into an individual’s consistent behavioral patterns over several months.
One of the standout features of hair follicle tests in Emmalena, KY, is their inherent resistance to tampering, paving the way for authentic and defensible results.
The structure of these tests minimizes opportunities for cheating, thus ensuring the purity and honesty of the outcomes delivered.
With extensive access provided by nationwide testing centers, including those in Emmalena, KY, the convenience of hair follicle testing is unrivaled.
Our widespread locations offer seamless access to testing services, ensuring a straightforward and hassle-free experience for all clients.
The hair follicle testing process in Emmalena, KY, is renowned for its simplicity and confidentiality, crucial for those concerned about privacy and ease of use.
Offering a streamlined approach, from ordering the test to receiving results, this method guarantees discretion, maintaining the confidentiality of all involved.
In Emmalena, KY, hair follicle drug tests are characterized by affordable pricing and swift turnaround times, offering businesses exceptional value.
Our competitive rates and rapid results deliver both peace of mind and financial benefits, making these tests an attractive choice for organizations of various sizes.
Based in Emmalena, KY, hair follicle drug testing is heralded for its swiftness and precision. Not only does it provide speedy results, but it also ensures high accuracy in detecting substances, giving stakeholders reliable insights into drug use.
The promptness of hair testing does not compromise its dependability. Results are quickly processed, ensuring timely feedback to employers and professionals in need of decisive data.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Emmalena, KY, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, effectively reducing potential legal challenges and boosting overall workplace safety.
Employers can enjoy a heightened sense of security and confidence, knowing that their drug testing procedures align with regulatory standards and emphasize safety.