Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair creates a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken proximate to the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hairs (estimable as the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specify scalp hair alone. Body hair indicates all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result entails four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system, including ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid check for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be legally admissible. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is provisionally positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is conducted utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminarily positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jonancy, KY
Comparing hair and urine tests, the superior detection accuracy of hair testing stands out. Hair samples tell a more extended story of usage, whereas urine tests only indicate recent use. This comprehensive view provided by hair testing makes it more reliable for employers wanting a clearer history of an individual's drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Jonancy, KY
Hair follicle testing can trace drug use up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed view of an individual's substance history. This expansive detection window far exceeds other testing methods, making it invaluable for assessing long-term substance use trends in potential employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jonancy, KY
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize sample adulteration risks, providing results that are both reliable and unchallengeable. Unlike other tests that can be tampered with, hair samples remain accurate and credible, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Jonancy, KY
Thanks to our extensive testing network, accessing our services is fast and hassle-free. Whether you're in Jonancy or another location, our centers provide convenient access and ensure quick service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Jonancy, KY
Our process for ordering and receiving test results is straightforward and maintains confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns. Clients can easily navigate the steps required without compromising personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jonancy, KY
Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value for all businesses, with a fast turnaround that meets the demands of today's fast-paced work environment. We provide peace of mind with prices that don't break the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jonancy, KY
Hair follicle drug tests provide quick and precise detection of substance use. Their high accuracy is unmatched, ensuring that even the smallest traces of drug use are not overlooked. The speed at which results can be obtained is impressive, allowing employers and legal entities to make informed decisions promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jonancy, KY
Using hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their workforce aligns with their substance policies effectively using this reliable method.