Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sampled close to the scalp, it can reveal a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is easy, moderately resistant to tampering, and straightforward to mail.
A 1.5-inch segment containing about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's best to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, equivalent body hair can be collected. Scalp hair refers specifically to that from the head, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result encompasses four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab system, ensuring it was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be corroborated to be valid in court. Any samples that test positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Hoskinston, KY offers a superior edge over traditional urine tests. With a more extensive detection timeline, this method excels in accuracy and consistency. Employers recognize hair tests for their reliability, capturing a longer history of substance use. These tests are efficient, easy to administer, and significantly reduce chances of evasion compared to urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Hoskinston, KY extends the detection window to up to 90 days, surpassing other testing methods. This extended timeframe provides employers with vital insights into an employee's or applicant's drug history. By capturing this prolonged view, companies can ensure their teams are comprised of individuals who adhere to a drug-free ethos, promoting long-term workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Hoskinston, KY by reducing sample tampering risks. This method makes manipulation nearly impossible, ensuring truthful results. The hair collection process prohibits the alteration tactics commonly seen in urine testing. Consequently, businesses are assured of receiving reliable data on substance use, bolstering confidence in the integrity of the outcomes.
With widespread testing centers, including in Hoskinston, KY, the accessibility of hair follicle tests is unparalleled. Our nationwide presence facilitates prompt, convenient, and straightforward testing services, eliminating the stress of finding nearby facilities. Whether local or traveling, individuals are assured easy access, making the process seamless and effortless.
In Hoskinston, KY, undergoing hair follicle testing is a straightforward and confidential experience. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes user privacy and usability. Participants can confidently navigate the process knowing their personal information is safeguarded, allowing an untroubled engagement with drug testing services.
In Hoskinston, KY, hair follicle testing is available at competitive prices with swift turnaround. Our cost-effective solutions cater to organizations large and small, promising excellent value and quick insights. By balancing affordability with rapid reporting, companies can ensure efficient decision-making while respecting budget constraints.
In Hoskinston, KY, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering precise and swift outcomes. This method excels in pinpointing substance use, offering certainty where others might falter. When time is of the essence, these tests provide fast, reliable, and accurate results often within days of sample collection, giving stakeholders timely insights to make informed decisions efficiently.
In Hoskinston, KY, employers gain peace of mind through the use of hair follicle testing. This practice ensures compliance with drug-free workplace protocols, diminishing legal issues and enhancing safety. Employers upholding such standards bolster their commitment to secure, health-conscious environments, portraying a strong, united front against workplace substance misuse.
