Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands provide a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month period to detect the presence of alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect hair samples, challenging to tamper with them, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches involving around 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weight of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen weight. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar amount of body hair is an acceptable alternative. In this context, head hair specifically implies scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This process encompasses the verification of proper sealing and shipping of the sample, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a basic preliminary examination for drug presence. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use on most samples, any positive findings must undergo confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Samples indicating a presumed positive during Screening will require further verification.
If a sample shows a preliminary positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and prepared for the Extraction phase. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
The Confirmation of any positive results from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples with presumed positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Superior Detection: With a longer detection window, hair testing outclasses traditional urine analyses, capturing a broader substance use history.
Enhanced Reliability: Hair tests minimize inaccuracies, offering reliable outcomes that traditional methods struggle to match.
Extended View: By encompassing up to 90 days of substance history, hair follicle evaluations provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug use.
Comprehensive Screening: For employers, this means gaining a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's historical substance use pattern.
Reduced Adulteration Risks: Hair follicle tests are tough to tamper with, delivering trustworthy results every time.
Reliable Outcomes: The robust nature of hair testing ensures sample integrity, preventing potential adulteration tactics.
Convenience Nationwide: With testing centers spread across the nation, access to our services is straightforward and hassle-free for everyone.
Local Accessibility: In Hendron, KY, testing is easily accessible, ensuring quick and efficient service delivery.
Streamlined Process: From ordering to receiving results, the process remains straightforward, making it easy for all participants.
Confidentiality Assured: We prioritize privacy, ensuring each step maintains confidentiality, addressing all concerns of privacy.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Our competitive pricing structures ensure high value for businesses of every size, complemented by prompt service.
Speedy Turnaround: Enjoy swift result delivery, ensuring peace of mind and efficiency in your decision-making processes.
Precision and Speed: Hair follicle tests offer unmatched accuracy in substance detection. Unlike other methodologies, these assessments provide rapid results without compromising on precision, making them ideal for urgent needs.
Unparalleled Accuracy: The rigorous analytical process ensures that substances are detected accurately, offering confidence in the results delivered.
Workplace Compliance: Implementation of hair follicle testing helps adhere to strict drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal challenges.
Peace of Mind: Employers benefit from enhanced work safety and reduced risk, knowing their drug testing measures are robust and compliant.
