Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Over time, hair retains a record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal use of alcohol and drugs for a period of up to roughly three months. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimum amount for initial screening and confirmation. To perform tests for EtG, additional analyses, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is advisable. Should scalp hair be absent, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing drug test outcomes is comprised of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where samples are initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any manual data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective, a positive result from Screening must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Samples with positive preliminary results require further confirmation.
Upon a positive indication in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. At this juncture, the drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Frenchburg, KY, provides superior advantages over traditional urine tests. Its detection accuracy is unmatched, offering a comprehensive review of an individual's substance use history, far beyond what urine tests can reveal.
Comparatively, hair testing stands out with its extended detection window, providing insights that are simply not feasible with urine tests. This makes it a preferred choice for employers monitoring long-term drug use patterns.
In Frenchburg, KY, hair follicle testing's ability to detect substance use up to 90 days stands as a significant advantage. This extended window offers employers a detailed understanding of an individual's history, beyond recent usage patterns.
The 90-day detection capability provides a thorough perspective on an applicant's or employee's habits, essential for crafting informed employment decisions and maintaining workplace integrity.
Frenchburg's hair follicle testing offers minimal risk of tampering, significantly reducing the potential for sample adulteration. This method ensures that results remain credible and indisputable, a concern with other testing methods.
The resilience of hair tests against tampering provides peace of mind, knowing that the results are reflective of true substance use without external interference.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with its nationwide and Frenchburg locations, providing simple access to testing services without unnecessary hassle. This wide reach allows for timely and accessible drug testing.
Our centers' strategic placement across the country facilitates easy access to hair follicle testing, ensuring processes remain smooth and efficient for all clients.
The process for hair follicle testing in Frenchburg, KY, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step respects privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns effectively.
Clients enjoy a straightforward procedure, with tests conducted discreetly, ensuring peace of mind while securing the necessary information for employment or personal clarity.
In Frenchburg, KY, our hair testing services offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, providing excellent value to businesses of all sizes. Our affordable rates ensure that quality testing is accessible to everyone.
The combination of cost-effectiveness and prompt service delivery makes hair follicle testing a sensible investment for employers, offering peace of mind and efficiency.
In Frenchburg, KY, hair follicle drug testing is celebrated for its accuracy and speed. The process reliably identifies substance use, producing results that are remarkably precise and prompt, allowing for informed decisions based on concrete data.
Employers in Frenchburg benefit from fast and accurate hair testing results, ensuring they maintain a workforce that aligns with drug-free policies. This reliability is critical for minimizing workplace risks and promoting safety.
Hair follicle testing in Frenchburg, KY, aids employers in compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By mitigating legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, hair testing promotes a secure and policy-adherent environment.
Employers can rest assured that utilizing hair testing aligns with legal and safety standards, protecting their organizations and supporting a culture of compliance and security.
