Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utility of hair testing in identifying substance and alcohol consumption is increasingly recognized. Unlike other methods, hair captures a long-term trace of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the hair strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair samples offer up to a quarter-year detection duration for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample comprising 1.5 inches of hair, around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness), nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg, optimal for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additions, and tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg quantity is suggested. It's preferable to weigh the sample with a precision scale. If scalp hair is lacking, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. All other hair (facial, underarm, etc.) is classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processes a drug test result via four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample enters the lab's system, verifying its proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Though cost-efficient for negating drug use across most samples, positive Screening results need confirmation for court acceptance. Any screenings showing presumptive positivity require further validation.
If Screening indicates presumptive positivity, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests uniquely challenging to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP's (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: “Hair follicle tests” is a misnomer as the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Irvine, KY, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in accuracy and reliability. Hair tests detect substance use over a longer timeframe, making them a more comprehensive method. Employers and courts favor hair testing for its ability to reveal patterns of drug use while providing a trustworthy and refined assessment compared to traditional urine analysis.
Offering a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Irvine, KY provides a comprehensive view of substance use history. Employers benefit from this extended period, which reveals consistent or habitual drug usage patterns, thus aiding in informed decision-making regarding potential or current employees.
In Irvine, KY, hair follicle tests are less vulnerable to manipulation, thereby reducing the likelihood of sample tampering. Unwavering reliability is achieved through the integrity of the method, as it collects samples under supervision. This ensures results that stand up to scrutiny and provide unquestionable findings.
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including locations in Irvine, KY, ensures quick and easy access to drug testing services. This widespread availability allows for hassle-free and efficient scheduling, adding a layer of convenience and flexibility vital for employers and individuals alike.
The process of hair follicle testing in Irvine, KY is straightforward and confidential. It ensures ease from test ordering to result receipt, addressing privacy and comfort concerns. Through a seamless procedure, individuals receive the necessary reassurances regarding result confidentiality and practical usability.
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround in Irvine, KY, hair follicle testing delivers excellent value. Quick and affordable, the service is tailored to meet budgetary constraints of all company sizes, offering economical options without sacrificing the quality and timeliness of results.
Hair follicle drug tests in Irvine, KY offer speed and precision, making them a top choice for accurate detection of substances. The testing provides fast results, critical to maintaining workplace safety and health. With meticulous testing processes ensuring high accuracy, you can rely on timely outcomes that are both dependable and revealing.
Employers opting for hair follicle testing in Irvine, KY gain peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. Enhanced safety and legality in the workplace are crucial, and this testing reduces legal risks while promoting a secure environment, encouraging safer business practices.