Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for drugs and alcohol. It is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, the optimal amount for evaluation and confirmation. For tests such as EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When identifying head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types, like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory process comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample is introduced to a laboratory’s system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data capture not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a swift initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective approach to eliminating drug usage for the majority of samples, any positive screening result must undergo confirmation to be acceptable for legal purposes. Positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation through additional assays.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen to proceed with Extraction. In this phase, substances are withdrawn from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Verification of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as required. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Hair testing provides enhanced benefits over conventional urine tests in Field, KY. Hair tests display superior detection reliability, with the ability to capture a broader timeline of drug use. The accuracy of hair testing outperforms urine analysis, making it a preferred choice for those seeking meticulous and truthful results that withstand scrutiny and support stringent policies.
Extended Detection Window
Field, KY's hair follicle testing is lauded for its prolonged detection span of up to 90 days. This method gives employers a thorough view of an individual's substance history, offering more substantial insights into patterns of drug use over longer periods, thereby enhancing background checks and fostering informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Field, KY, significantly mitigate the risks associated with sample tampering. By using a reliable method of collection and analysis, these tests deliver results that are difficult to alter or adulterate, ensuring the credibility of the outcomes and maintaining trust in workplace and legal contexts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Field, KY residents enjoy the ease of access to testing services thanks to the wide network of nationwide centers. This system of convenient locations ensures no delays or inconveniences in obtaining necessary drug testing, simplifying the process greatly for both individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Field, KY, hair follicle testing is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. The process for ordering, performing the test, and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring privacy at every step. Clients are assured of a discreet experience that respects individual confidentiality concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Field, KY businesses benefit from competitive pricing schedules and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Offering exceptional value, these services prevent unnecessary waiting and provide a cost-effective solution, delivering peace of mind across organizations of varying sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Field, KY residents can benefit from the efficiency of hair follicle drug tests. These tests provide rapid and precise results, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. Their precision surpasses traditional methods, offering a dependable outcome that aids decision-making processes for employers and individuals alike, guaranteeing results that one can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Field, KY employers find reassurance in employing hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method lowers legal risks, enhances safety, and upholds a commitment to creating a secure and productive environment free from substance abuse complications.
