Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized for its efficacy in identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing serves as a substantial resource. The strands of hair capture and hold biomarkers, creating a historical record of substance usage over time. With a sample collected near the scalp, one can achieve a detection period of close to 90 days for various substances. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
Securing a 1.5-inch hair segment, approximately 200 strands equivalent to a #2 pencil, provides the necessary 100mg sample ideal for tests requiring validation. For EtG, additional substances, or panels exceeding ten, a specimen weight of 150mg is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for accuracy in measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is an alternative. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair; body hair refers to all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
In the lab processing of drug tests, there are four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with integrating a sample into the laboratory system, ensuring the sample's proper sealing and dispatch, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry if the electronic chain of custody system doesn’t suffice.
Screening is the preliminary inspection for drug abuse markers. While cost-effective and efficient for most samples, any indications of drug usage from Screening necessitate verification to stand up in legal situations. Therefore, Screening's positive results need follow-up confirmation.
In cases of positive presumptive results during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. This process isolates drugs at significantly lower levels than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), showcasing the challenge in performing hair drug testing.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive results from the initial screen. Samples with presumptive positives undergo a thorough wash before confirmation. The laboratory process encompassing Accessioning to Confirmation is meticulously examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strands, omitting the follicle component beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kevil, KY
Extended Detection Window in Kevil, KY
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kevil, KY
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Simple, Confidential Process in Kevil, KY
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