Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hairs (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the head yields 100mg of hair, which serves as the ideal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional exams, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. It is suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to every other hair type (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the processing of a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry that an electronic chain of custody system did not provide.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal acceptability. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require secondary confirmation.
In instances where a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. At this juncture, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Every presumptive positive specimen undergoes washing as needed prior to confirmation. The full laboratory process, ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Clarification: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, and not on the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gilbertsville, KY: In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a comprehensive analysis over a longer time frame, capturing any substance consumption, thus giving employers a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Gilbertsville, KY: Hair follicle tests distinguish themselves with the ability to trace drug activity for up to 90 days. This extensive detection window equips employers with the insight needed to assess both applicants and employees, regarding their long-term drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gilbertsville, KY: The integrity of hair follicle testing makes it exceptionally tamper-resistant. It is less susceptible to adulteration, ensuring the results remain dependable and difficult to contest, thus reinforcing the credibility of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gilbertsville, KY: Our extensive network of testing centers across the country offers convenient access, simplifying the testing process with minimal hassle. This ensures easy and swift services, whether you are in Gilbertsville or any major city across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gilbertsville, KY: The hair testing procedure is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to sample collection, and receiving results, every step is streamlined to guarantee privacy and ease, addressing any concerns regarding the confidentiality of your test.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gilbertsville, KY: Our drug testing services are priced competitively to offer excellent value. Coupled with quick turnaround times, businesses of all sizes can experience peace of mind while managing their testing needs effectively and economically.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gilbertsville, KY: Hair follicle drug screening stands out for its precision and promptness. This method not only ensures rapid results but also delivers high accuracy in determining substance presence. With advanced technology, hair tests quickly pinpoint and verify drug use, making them a trusted choice.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gilbertsville, KY: Utilizing hair follicle drug testing helps employers maintain alignment with drug-free workplace policies. It significantly reduces legal liabilities and fosters a safe working environment, ensuring peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
