Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs of up to about 3 months. Hair samples are easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides approximately 100mg, which is an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, enhancements, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s system, which involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for the results to be legally admissible. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample prove presumptively positive in the Screening process, more hair is extracted from the initial supply and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, hair is subjected to an extraction process at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation for any affirmative Screen results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and under accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to reliability, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests in Henshaw, KY. The most significant advantage is its extended detection window. Hair testing can detect substances used months prior, offering a broader view of someone's substance history, unlike urine tests, which are limited to a shorter detection period.
Hair testing also lowers the possibility of manipulation compared to urine tests, guaranteeing results that are true to the individual's substance use. Employers who prioritize accuracy often choose hair follicle tests over the traditional urine method.
Hair follicle testing features an extended detection window that covers up to 90 days for drug use, providing a comprehensive review of an individual’s substance history. This extensive period surpasses other tests in Henshaw, KY, making it invaluable for employers needing long-term insight into substance use behavior.
Employers can make informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees based on the detailed substance use history a hair test provides. A reliable choice, it offers a three-month window of detection that urine tests can't match.
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing in Henshaw, KY. Unlike other methods, the unfeasible nature of altering hair specimens ensures the integrity of the results. This aspect reassures all parties involved that the outcome is accurate and trustworthy.
The risk of adulteration is minimal with hair samples compared to urine, making it nearly impossible to alter the test results. Employers confidently rely on hair testing to deliver reliable and honest responses.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including local access in Henshaw, KY. This extensive network ensures a hassle-free testing experience, with centers readily available to accommodate your screening needs efficiently and expediently.
The presence of local centers translates into quick and stress-free scheduling. Whether situated in a city or rural area, our widespread network accommodates all clients effortlessly.
Our hair testing process in Henshaw, KY is simple and confidential. Ordering, undergoing testing, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure ease and privacy, addressing any concerns about sensitive information handling throughout the process.
We prioritize client discretion and comfort, maintaining confidentiality at every stage. This approach reassures both individuals and organizations of securely managing all data involved in the testing.
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing models alongside fast turnaround times in Henshaw, KY. Different organizations, regardless of size, can benefit from our cost-effective services that align with budgetary preferences while maintaining high service standards.
Quick result delivery without compromising on accuracy or efficiency enhances the value offered. Tailored to various organizational needs, our affordable pricing ensures accessibility for every company.
In Henshaw, KY, hair follicle tests are unmatched in their accuracy for detecting substances. Their precision in identifying drugs ensures reliable results that employers can trust. Tests are conducted swiftly, providing timely insights into an individual's substance history, enhancing decision-making in critical scenarios.
The speed of hair testing means quicker turnaround times, an essential factor for employers needing efficient hiring processes. Hair tests are not only fast but also incredibly accurate, making them the gold standard for accurate drug detection in Henshaw, KY.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Henshaw, KY brings compliance and peace of mind within the workplace. Ensuring adherence to drug-free policies, it supports a secure and productive environment, vital for operational stability and reduced legal risks.
By securing trustworthy test results, employers are safeguarded against the complications of inadvertent employee substance abuse, aligning with compliance requirements and promoting a safe work atmosphere.