Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended history of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can potentially reveal up to a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to collect 150mg of the specimen. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This phase involves ensuring that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any remaining data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening offers an economical method to exclude drug consumption for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab process is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Glens Fork, KY, hair follicle testing offers unparalleled advantages over traditional urine tests. It boasts superior accuracy, detecting a wide range of substances effectively. This enhanced detection provides reliability, assisting employers in making informed decisions. The longer detection window further underscores its superiority, capturing substance use over the past three months, unlike urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Glens Fork, KY, offers an extended detection window, observing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, surpassing the short detection capabilities of other testing methods. This long-term insight helps ensure a safe and compliant workplace.
Hair follicle tests in Glens Fork, KY, provide a tamper-resistant method of testing, significantly minimizing the risk of sample manipulation. By collecting hair samples under observed conditions, this method delivers reliable results that are difficult to compromise. The integrity of each test ensures results are unquestionably accurate and trustworthy.
In Glens Fork, KY, the convenience of nationwide testing locations feeds the need for accessible and hassle-free drug testing services. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that testing centers are within easy reach, providing efficient solutions for both local and widespread needs. This availability streamlines the process, making it accessible for everyone involved.
Offering a straightforward and confidential process, drug testing in Glens Fork, KY, addresses privacy concerns with ease. From the ordering stage to sample collection and result reception, each step prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. This ensures participants feel comfortable and secure, with their privacy protected at all times.
Accredited Drug Testing in Glens Fork, KY, prides itself on competitive pricing structures and swift result turnaround. This combination provides excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality. Responsive service boosts client satisfaction, reinforcing a great experience.
Hair follicle drug tests in Glens Fork, KY, deliver fast, precise results that are both accurate and reliable. The superior accuracy of hair testing excels in detecting drugs, offering peace of mind to employers who need trustworthy data on substance use within their workforce. Rapid turnaround times mean businesses can act promptly on results, maintaining efficiency and productivity.
Employers in Glens Fork, KY, can achieve peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free initiatives. By reducing legal risks and promoting safety, organizations benefit from a secure environment. This method meets stringent compliance standards, allowing businesses to maintain their commitment to a safe working space.
