Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively difficult to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases involved in the laboratory examination of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that isn’t provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated to be permissible in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed 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 termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Fairmeade, KY, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. A critical benefit is their superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history by analyzing hair samples, which cannot be easily altered or tainted, thus ensuring true results over an extended period.
Fairmeade, KY employers find enormous value in hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This long-term view allows a thorough assessment of recent substance use, offering a more complete evaluation of an employee or candidate's drug usage history. This feature is especially vital for maintaining workplace safety and productivity.
The hair follicle testing method used in Fairmeade, KY significantly mitigates the risk of tampering or sample adulteration. This testing technique ensures reliable and unquestionable results, allowing for secure decisions based on the data obtained. Compared to urine sampling, hair tests are notably more difficult to manipulate, enhancing trust in the results.
Fairmeade, KY benefits from our nationwide testing network, offering extensive access to convenient hair follicle testing facilities. These local and national centers provide an easy and hassle-free way to conduct necessary tests. Our widespread availability ensures quick testing service access, meeting the needs of various clients efficiently.
In Fairmeade, KY, ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is a simple and confidential process. Clients can rest assured knowing that their privacy is respected throughout the testing procedure, receiving results discreetly. The ease of use sets a new standard in maintaining confidentiality while delivering dependable results.
Offered in Fairmeade, KY, our hair testing services provide affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. This combination makes our services valuable to companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive the best service without compromising on quality. Our competitive pricing ensures businesses can adhere to budget constraints without sacrificing thorough testing processes.
Hair follicle tests in Fairmeade, KY stand out for providing fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in identifying substance use ensures that individuals and organizations alike can depend on the outcomes. Hair tests can swiftly detect a range of substances, making them an efficient tool for workplace, court, and personal testing requirements.
Employers in Fairmeade, KY gain peace of mind and ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies by utilizing hair follicle testing. This testing method significantly lowers legal risks and boosts workplace safety, due to its accurate assessment capabilities. Accurate testing ensures a safe and efficient work environment, benefiting everyone involved.