Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair samples is now acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a longitudinal record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair reveals a detection period for alcohol and drugs extending up to approximately three months. Collection of hair is straightforward, modification is somewhat challenging, and its transportation is uncomplicated.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising around 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, additional tests, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to measure the specimen weight using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an identical quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in laboratory processing for acquiring a drug testing result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system, which includes confirming the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry excluded by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary assessment for the presence of substances. Although a cost-effective approach for eliminating drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples manifesting an initial positive result in Screening require further corroboration.
Upon yielding a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is utilized in the Extraction phase. Here, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is notably less than those obtained through other means (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing a highly complex method.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory processing chain from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the assessment focuses on analyzing the hair strand itself and not the underlying follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Heidrick, KY, stands out as a superior option compared to traditional urine tests. One clear advantage is superior detection accuracy, as it reduces false positives and false negatives. Hair tests offer a remarkable level of reliability due to their robust nature, making them more dependable than urine tests, which can sometimes be unreliable due to factors like diet and hydration levels.
In Heidrick, KY, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window for up to 90 days. This capability allows employers a more comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance use history. While urine tests are limited to shorter detection times, hair tests uncover long-term patterns of drug use, giving a broader perspective that is invaluable to organizations concerned about consistent substance use over time.
Hair follicle tests in Heidrick, KY, offer a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly diminishing the possibility of sample adulteration. Unlike other testing methods, which can sometimes be manipulated or tampered with, hair testing provides reliable results that are virtually unquestionable. The integrity of results is maintained from sample collection to analysis, ensuring that the outcomes are both trustworthy and credible.
With our convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Heidrick, KY, we ensure that access to hair follicle testing is both quick and hassle-free. These centers are strategically located to provide easy access for employers and individuals alike. Avoiding the inconvenience of long commutes or limited availability, our local presence guarantees prompt services, accommodating the needs of the community efficiently.
The hair follicle testing process in Heidrick, KY, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving results, every step respects privacy and ease of use. These processes are streamlined to mitigate any concerns individuals might have about confidentiality and complexity, ensuring that the testing experience is seamless and stress-free for all parties involved.
In Heidrick, KY, Accredited Drug Testing provides affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, making hair follicle testing accessible to businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures do not compromise on the quality of service, offering excellent value. Coupled with rapid result turnaround, our services provide companies with the peace of mind they require, ensuring that substance use screening is both cost-effective and efficient.
One of the benefits of hair follicle drug testing in Heidrick, KY is its capacity to deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. Precision in identifying recent substance use is a crucial factor. Hair tests can precisely pinpoint drug intake within specific periods, ensuring that results are not only rapid but also trustworthy. Coupled with its accuracy, the method provides a vital tool for many employers seeking immediate insights into potential substance use.
Employers in Heidrick, KY, find hair follicle testing to be an effective measure for compliance and peace of mind. By integrating this testing method, businesses can maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies, effectively reducing legal risks. Additionally, it enhances workplace safety by ensuring employees are not engaging in substance use, thus fostering a more secure and productive environment.
