Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When retrieved near the scalp, it can present an estimated 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. A jeweler’s scale is suitable for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair mean scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result include four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. It encompasses validating that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation for court admissibility. Samples considered presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screen results is achieved through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", this test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Kirkwood, KY, showcases significant advantages over traditional urine tests. While urine tests are commonly used, the efficacy of hair tests in terms of detection accuracy sets them apart. With a less intrusive and more comprehensive approach, they excel in providing reliable results.
Such tests are increasingly preferred in occupational settings for their reliability.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window in Kirkwood, KY, covering up to 90 days. This longer period offers employers a thorough assessment of an individual's substance use history.
This capability provides a detailed account of the lasting effects of substances, crucial for making informed decisions regarding employment.
Tamper-resistant by design, hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of adulteration. In Kirkwood, KY, this ensures that the results are trustworthy and difficult to manipulate. The integrity of the testing process remains unchallenged, offering peace of mind for both employers and those being tested.
Safeguarding accuracy fosters confidence in outcomes.
Access to convenient nationwide testing centers makes drug testing in Kirkwood, KY, easy and streamlined. With multiple local and nationwide locations, the accessibility of testing services is maximized.
Individuals can undergo testing without hassle, reinforcing the smooth operation of obtaining necessary analyses swiftly and effectively.
The process for obtaining a hair follicle test in Kirkwood, KY, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is discreet, ensuring privacy concerns are addressed.
This straightforward approach emphasizes transparency, making it simple for users to engage in the testing practice without apprehension.
With affordable pricing and rapid turnaround, hair follicle testing in Kirkwood, KY, offers exceptional value for organizations. Competitive rates combined with fast processing times ensure that companies of different sizes can benefit from these services.
The cost-effectiveness and swift delivery of results maximize efficiency for businesses.
In Kirkwood, KY, the precision and promptness of hair follicle drug testing stand out. With fast, accurate results, it ensures substance use detection is highly reliable. The method's ability to capture detailed drug usage information makes it a preferred choice for those seeking swiftness and accuracy.
Its state-of-the-art techniques offer unparalleled insight into an individual's substance habits.
Employers in Kirkwood, KY, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. As it aligns with workplace drug-free policies, it diminishes legal risks and heightens overall safety.
Adopting such a comprehensive measure ensures that organizations are adhering to necessary standards while protecting their work environments.
