Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a protracted history of alcohol and other drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, equates to 100mg of hair—ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG, add-ons, and/or over 10-panel screenings, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be acquired, a comparable portion of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial sample processing into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary review for drugs of abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need a further confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are taken from hair at much lower concentrations than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate method.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification as well as the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair vs. Urine Testing in Erlanger, KY
The advantages of hair follicle testing surpass traditional urine tests, offering superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis offers a longer detection period, ensuring comprehensive evaluation.
Better Detection with Hair Tests
Hair follicle drug tests excel in accuracy and reliability compared to standard urine tests. Their expansive detection window allows for a more in-depth review of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Erlanger, KY
Hair follicle testing offers an unrivaled ability to detect drug use extending up to 90 days. This broad detection range grants employers a thorough view of an individual's history with substance use.
Comprehensive Substance History
By covering a 90-day period, hair testing provides a detailed account of substance use, benefiting employers seeking a full understanding of a candidate's drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Erlanger, KY
Hair follicle tests offer resistance against sample tampering, reinforcing test integrity. These tests are nearly impossible to cheat, providing employers with assuredly genuine results.
Unquestionable Results with Hair Tests
With significantly lower risk of adulteration, hair follicle testing offers reliable outcomes, helping decision-makers trust the results without worries about manipulation.
Convenient Testing Locations in Erlanger, KY
Our nationwide testing centers facilitate easy access to reliable testing services, ensuring convenience for employers and individuals in Erlanger and beyond.
Easily Accessible Nationwide Centers
With numerous nationwide locations, we provide seamless access to testing, eliminating hassles and delays for those seeking drug testing services.
Simple and Confidential Testing Process in Erlanger, KY
Our ordering, testing, and result delivery processes are straightforward and discreet, ensuring privacy and ease of use for all clients.
Effortless and Private Experience
From start to finish, the hair follicle testing process guarantees confidentiality and simplicity, addressing all privacy concerns with efficiency and care.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Erlanger, KY
We offer competitive pricing and swift result delivery, providing excellent value. Our quick turnaround times ensure peace of mind across all company sizes.
Cost-effective Solutions with Rapid Results
Our pricing structures are designed for affordability without compromising on quality, delivering fast and reliable results that meet any business's needs.
Fast and Accurate Drug Testing in Erlanger, KY
Hair follicle drug tests offer quick and highly accurate results, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use. The precision of these tests assures employers and institutions of reliable outcomes.
Swift Results with Confidence
Employers benefit from the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests. These tests provide dependable results rapidly, contributing to informed decision-making.
Peace of Mind for Employers in Erlanger, KY
Utilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free policies, reducing legal risks. This testing approach strengthens workplace safety, ensuring a safe and productive environment.
Ensure Compliance with Accurate Testing
Through hair follicle tests, employers achieve peace of mind, confident that their drug-free policies are effectively enforced, minimizing potential liabilities.
