Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a long-term record of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month window of detection for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of about 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. By "head hair," we specifically mean scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into a lab's system. This stage includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid check for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive results need Confirmation to be admissible in court. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require secondary Confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, more hair is selected from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Positive screening results are confirmed by GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before Confirmation as necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Falcon, KY, hair follicle testing consistently outperforms urine tests in its detection capabilities. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer a superior detection window of up to 90 days, making it much harder to evade positive results. Employers and authorities that prioritize accurate and reliable assessments frequently prefer this method to ensure compliance with policies.
Employers in Falcon, KY, benefit from the extensive detection capabilities of hair follicle tests. With an ability to trace back drug use for up to 90 days, these tests provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance use history, allowing companies to make informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Falcon, KY, minimizes the risk of sample tampering through its tamper-resistant approach. Given the nature of hair sampling and processing, it nearly eliminates the possibility of adulteration, thereby delivering trustworthy and unquestionable test results to stakeholders.
We boast a range of locations for hair follicle testing across the nation as well as locally in Falcon, KY. This ensures convenience and easy access for all who require our services, providing a smooth and hassle-free testing process for employers and individuals alike.
The process for hair follicle testing in Falcon, KY, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results, every step is crafted to protect privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality and simplicity.
In Falcon, KY, we offer affordable pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Companies can expect competitive rates and efficient service, ensuring excellent value while providing peace of mind through reliable and timely results.
The precision and speed of hair follicle tests make them highly reliable for detecting substance use in Falcon, KY. They offer fast and accurate results, ensuring timely decisions for both individuals and organizations. As these tests meticulously analyze hair samples, they provide confidence in the outcomes, ensuring no substance use goes undetected.
In Falcon, KY, using hair follicle testing offers compliance with workplace drug policies, providing peace of mind for employers. This method reduces legal risks and fosters a safe and drug-free work environment, aligning with company standards and enhancing overall workplace safety.
