Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair acts as a long-term record by encasing biomarkers within the growing hair shaft. Samples taken close to the scalp can offer up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting substances. Hair is easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil in thickness), taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, equivalent body hair is an alternative. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" covers other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
Four crucial phases make up the lab procedures for drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is assimilated into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any missing data not recorded by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary review for substances of abuse. This approach is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, though a positive result requires confirmation for legal proceedings. Any samples showing a positive indicator in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the existing sample for the Extraction phase. This process isolates drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing a stringent methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS validate any positive screening results. All samples with a positive indication are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is thoroughly examined under CAP's (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Gravel Switch, KY, hair follicle tests are lauded for their superior detection longevity and accuracy versus traditional urine tests. The ability to detect multiple substances over a prolonged period outshines urine tests' limited window. Urine tests may miss long-term usage, while hair tests provide a more complete look at an individual's history, enhancing decision-making capabilities for employers.
Hair follicle testing in Gravel Switch, KY stands out due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This advantage enables employers to understand an individual's substance use history extensively. Hair tests look back at substance use significantly longer than other methods, providing a clearer picture and leading to well-informed hiring decisions.
Among the various drug testing methods, hair follicle tests in Gravel Switch, KY are noted for their resistance to manipulation. This testing approach minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestionable outcomes. The collection process is designed to prevent tampering, offering peace of mind to employers relying on the test results.
Our convenient testing locations extend nationwide, including Gravel Switch, KY, offering quick and hassle-free testing services. These facilities are designed to meet your needs swiftly and efficiently, ensuring accessibility for all clients seeking drug tests. Our extensive network guarantees that finding a testing center near you is as simple as possible.
The hair follicle testing process in Gravel Switch, KY is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results are all done with the utmost care regarding privacy and ease, addressing any concerns individuals might have. The confidential nature of hair follicle tests reassures participants, ensuring respect for personal data.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, hair follicle testing in Gravel Switch, KY provides excellent value for companies of various sizes. The affordable costs paired with fast result delivery make this service a practical choice. Companies can appreciate this cost-effective testing, balancing both quality and affordability for drug testing.
The hair follicle drug test offers an exceptionally precise approach to detecting substance use, with results known for their high accuracy. Fast and reliable results are a hallmark of this testing method, ensuring those in Gravel Switch, KY can trust the outcomes. Hair testing speeds up the process, enabling more rapid results compared to other testing methods by minimizing errors and providing dependable data.
Employers in Gravel Switch, KY can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies by utilizing hair follicle testing. This form of testing significantly reduces legal risks and improves workplace safety. By adopting such a reliable testing method, employers gain confidence, knowing that their workplace remains safe and compliant with relevant regulations.
