Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an impactful method for detecting substance use. This approach captures a comprehensive record of drug and alcohol consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for such substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, it is advisable to acquire 150mg of the sample. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the analytical processing of drug testing results encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a specimen within a lab's framework. This step involves confirming that the sample was securely sealed and properly sent, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any extra data recording not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a swift preliminary examination for substances of abuse. While it is an economical method to rule out drug usage for most specimens, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive findings is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all provisional positive specimens are cleansed as necessary. The whole process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is certified according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hardyville, KY. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. The extended detection period and the secure collection process make hair follicle tests a more dependable method, especially for employers needing comprehensive insights into substance use beyond recent activity.
Extended Detection Window in Hardyville, KY. Hair follicle testing excels by revealing substance use over extended durations, typically up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's history of drug usage, enabling informed decisions in the hiring and monitoring processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hardyville, KY. The hair follicle test minimizes the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring that results are both reliable and trustworthy. This security feature makes hair tests an invaluable tool for settings where the authenticity of drug testing outcomes is crucial.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hardyville, KY. Our widespread network of testing centers provides easy access to testing services, ensuring the process is swift and convenient for all clients. With facilities nationwide, getting tested is straightforward, whether you are based locally in Hardyville or elsewhere.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hardyville, KY. The procedure for ordering and completing a hair follicle test is designed to be both simple and confidential. Our approach addresses any privacy concerns clients might have, ensuring that the entire experience is secure and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hardyville, KY. Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing models, coupled with rapid turnaround times, providing exceptional value to organizations of varying sizes. This affordability ensures that comprehensive drug testing is accessible without sacrificing quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hardyville, KY. Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. These tests offer an unmatched level of accuracy, swiftly identifying substance use in individuals, making them a preferable choice for those who prioritize efficient and error-free testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hardyville, KY. Utilizing hair follicle testing aids organizations in adhering to drug-free workplace policies and reducing potential legal liabilities. This testing method plays a critical role in fostering safer working environments, offering peace of mind to employers and employees alike.
