Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means to detect substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, this method offers a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch clipping of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation. For testing EtG, additional assessments, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't present, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be utilized. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first procedure of inducting a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was securely sealed and forwarded correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While it's a budget-friendly approach to rule out drug consumption in most samples, any positive screening must be verified to be court-admissible. All samples that appear positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample seems positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in alternate methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as warranted. The overall laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly mentioned as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Superiority of Hair Testing over Urine Tests
In Gregory, KY, hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing in reliability and accuracy. The superior detection capabilities of hair testing make it the preferred choice, with results that are difficult to manipulate. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a more extended detection window, offering businesses and authorities a more comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Gregory, KY
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive window of detection, enabling the identification of drug use up to 90 days prior. Employers in Gregory, KY benefit from this broader assessment period, acquiring a thorough understanding of applicants' or employees' past substance use. This detailed overview assists in making informed hiring and retention decisions.
Reducing Sample Tampering in Gregory, KY
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chances of sample adulteration. This rigorous testing method ensures that results are reliable and difficult to dispute, providing peace of mind to those employing these tests in Gregory, KY. Thanks to the nature of hair samples, altering or contaminating the collected material is challenging, ensuring truthful results.
Convenient Testing Centers Across Gregory, KY
With a network of nationwide testing centers, our services cater to individuals in Gregory, KY, facilitating quick and hassle-free access to drug testing solutions. This extensive availability ensures that clients can easily locate and utilize testing services without unnecessary delays or inconvenience.
Effortless and Confidential Testing Process in Gregory, KY
Our process for ordering, undergoing, and obtaining results from hair testing is straightforward and confidential. Clients in Gregory, KY can expect privacy and ease of use throughout their testing experience, addressing any security concerns and ensuring an effortless procedure from start to finish.
Cost-Effective Solutions and Quick Results in Gregory, KY
Our competitive pricing and expedited processing times allow companies in Gregory, KY to manage their drug testing needs economically while benefitting from rapid results. This combination of affordable rates and prompt service yields significant value and trust to organizations, regardless of their size.
Precision and Speed in Gregory, KY
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swift results. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use ensures that organizations receive reliable data quickly. This efficiency is crucial for fast decision-making in employment and compliance scenarios, allowing for an easy and effective assessment of drug use among individuals tested in Gregory, KY.
Employer Compliance and Security in Gregory, KY
Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in Gregory, KY to adhere to drug-free workplace guidelines, reducing the risk of legal liabilities. This method not only ensures compliance but also enhances overall workplace safety, granting organizations greater assurance against drug-related workplace incidents.
