Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair can't be collected, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair entails other hair types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory's system. This process verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an expeditious preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If the Screening stage suggests a positive result, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Shines Over Urine Testing in Lakeside Park, KY: When comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing, hair analysis offers a broader view of a person's drug history due to its extended detection period. While urine tests are effective for recent substance use, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview, making them a more reliable choice for determining long-term drug use patterns.
The hair follicle test's extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days, offers a thorough assessment of substance use in Lakeside Park, KY. This feature grants employers the ability to gain insight into an individual's prolonged substance history, which is invaluable for evaluating applicants or employees. The enhanced detection period represents a significant advantage over more ephemeral testing methods.
In Lakeside Park, KY, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing significantly curtails the chance of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results obtained are reliable and trustworthy, providing peace of mind to employers and other stakeholders. With its robust methodology, hair testing stands as a beacon of integrity and accuracy in drug testing processes.
The availability of convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Lakeside Park, KY, ensures that drug testing services are both accessible and hassle-free. With quick and easy access to testing centers, employees and employers alike benefit from a streamlined process, enhancing the overall testing experience through our broad network coverage.
In Lakeside Park, KY, our drug testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize privacy and simplicity for users, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and ease of use. This approach ensures a stress-free experience, catering to the needs of all stakeholders involved in the testing process.
Our competitive pricing strategies paired with fast turnaround times in Lakeside Park, KY, provide strong value for organizations of all sizes seeking drug testing services. The combination of affordability and quick and efficient service delivery ensures that businesses receive premium quality without straining their budgets, fostering economic and operational advantage.
The hair follicle drug test stands out for quick and precise results in Lakeside Park, KY. Its high accuracy in identifying substance use ensures that employers and other users receive dependable data swiftly. With superior detection capabilities, hair tests provide clarity and reliability, facilitating informed decision-making while maintaining a fast turnaround.
Employers in Lakeside Park, KY benefit from using hair follicle testing to enforce workplace drug-free policies effectively, ensuring compliance and legal confidence. The reduction in legal risks combined with a bolstered safety culture fosters a more secure and productive work environment, enhancing overall employer and employee peace of mind.
