Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable method for identifying substance use concerning drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a historical record of substances due to biomarkers encapsulated within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month period for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch length of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp amounts to 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional features, and/or extensive panels over 10, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent volume of body hair is permissible. When using the term head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four principal stages characterize the laboratory handling of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves assimilating a specimen into a laboratory’s database. This step includes confirming that the specimen was secured and dispatched correctly, issuing a non-specific LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial swift assessment for illicit substances. Although a budget-friendly means of negating drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive Screening result demands a follow-up in order to hold up in a legal setting. All specimens that are potentially positive during Screening need additional confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is retrieved from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other practices (e.g., urine or saliva), accounting for the challenge of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive specimens undergo a cleaning process before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gresham, KY The advantages of opting for a hair follicle test over urine testing are substantial. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy, tracing drug presence over a more extended period, unlike urine tests which cover a narrow timeframe. This extended window ensures a thorough evaluation of the individual's substance use history.
Another benefit is the reliability factor. Hair testing circumvents many pitfalls associated with urine tests, establishing a stringent and more dependable drug testing solution.
Extended Detection Window in Gresham, KY One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over up to 90 days. This method offers a detailed review of past substance use, enabling employers to better understand an applicant’s or employee’s drug history. This extended window means employers can make informed decisions, free from the uncertainty of shorter-duration tests like urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gresham, KY Hair follicle testing stands out as a robust, tamper-resistant method. Deviating from easily manipulated sample types, it significantly diminishes the risk of tampering. The collection process assures results' accuracy, making it a reliable testing choice. This integrity sets hair testing apart, offering employers trustworthy outcomes inevitably enhancing policy compliance.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gresham, KY Our extensive network of testing facilities ensures easy access in Gresham, KY, and across the country. With locations readily available, scheduling a test is seamless and prompt, letting individuals complete testing with minimal hassle. This accessibility allows efficient progression through testing phases without geographical constraints.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gresham, KY The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and ensures confidentiality at all stages. From order placement to results delivery, every step is designed to protect privacy. Understanding concerns about privacy and ease of use, the process minimizes complexity while fostering confidence in the security of personal data and results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gresham, KY Our hair follicle drug testing services are competitively priced, ensuring value for businesses of all sizes. We prioritize fast turnaround times, providing results swiftly and efficiently. This combination of cost-effectiveness and rapid service enhances value, offering businesses peace of mind alongside reliable testing outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gresham, KY Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy. This testing method is highly skilled at identifying drug use efficiently, ensuring you receive results faster and more reliably than traditional approaches. Drug testing processes benefit from precision, providing dependable results that you can trust in a timely manner.
Accuracy is a key benefit of hair follicle testing in Gresham, KY. Unlike other testing modes, hair samples deliver precise data on substance use, capturing a more comprehensive snapshot of an individual's drug history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gresham, KY Utilizing hair follicle testing upholds adherence to workplace drug-free mandates, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. The method’s accuracy and resistance to tampering provide employers with peace of mind. Achieving compliance through reliable testing bolsters workplace security and maintains a professional environment.
