Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an essential means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record of prolonged alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the developing hair strands. When collected directly from the scalp, it offers an approximately three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG, supplementary assessments, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg hair sample is advisable. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair may be gathered. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample was properly secured and transported, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any other data tasks not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening comprises an initial rapid analysis for substance misuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must be affirmed to be court-acceptable. Samples with presumed positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptively positive results during Screening, the original sample is used to obtain more hair for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations far lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positive are cleansed pre-confirmation where required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Harold, KY is simple. Compared to urine tests, hair follicle evaluations offer superior accuracy and reliability, making them the preferred choice for long-term drug use detection.
While traditional urine tests can detect recent usage, the extensive detection window of hair tests paints a far more comprehensive picture, providing significant benefits to all stakeholders.
Extended Detection Window in Harold, KY offers a major advantage. Hair follicle testing uncovers drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering employers critical insights into the substance history of applicants or current employees.
This extended window serves as an invaluable tool when evaluating the long-term drug use patterns of individuals, ensuring robust assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Harold, KY significantly minimizes the chance of sample manipulation. Hair follicle tests are difficult to adulterate, providing results that are both trustworthy and indisputable.
For those seeking assured integrity in drug testing procedures, the tamper-resistant nature of hair tests makes them a reliable choice, giving confidence to all stakeholders involved.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Harold, KY ensure swift and hassle-free testing services with our comprehensive network of centers.
Our nationwide presence simplifies the drug testing process, providing easy access and quick results without the stress of logistical challenges.
Simple, Confidential Process in Harold, KY focuses on ordering, taking, and receiving results quietly and efficiently, alleviating concerns about privacy.
This streamlined process reassures those involved, as it maintains confidentiality throughout, respecting personal and professional boundaries without compromise.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Harold, KY provide outstanding value. Our competitive pricing and expedited results ensure that businesses of any size can manage drug testing needs effectively.
By offering affordable options with rapid delivery times, employers are guaranteed excellent service without breaking the bank, creating peace of mind across the board.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Harold, KY highlight the excellence of hair follicle drug tests. These tests outshine their counterparts by providing pinpoint accuracy and speed in detecting substances, ensuring dependable outcomes.
The precision and rapid execution of hair drug tests mean that individuals and employers can trust the results, thereby fostering an environment of safety and accountability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Harold, KY results in assured compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Hair follicle testing reduces legal risks and enhances safety.
Utilizing hair tests demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a safe, compliant work environment, ensuring both legal compliance and peace of mind for employers.
