Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the strands, hair offers an extended timeline of substance usage. When taken near the scalp, a hair sample can indicate alcohol and drug consumption over an estimated 3-month period. Collection is straightforward, tampering is tricky, and shipment is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from the scalp side will yield around 100mg of hair, deemed ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and exceedance of 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measurement is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. Specifically, head hair indicates scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarms, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a specimen into the lab’s system, ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in further data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary examination for prohibited substances. It's a cost-effective method to exclude those not using drugs from the majority of samples; however, any positive screenings must be confirmed to be valid in court, necessitating secondary confirmation.
For samples that test positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction phase, where lower concentrations of drugs are isolated from the hair compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), indicating hair drug tests as the most laborious to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that show presumptive positives are washed as needed before Confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is somewhat misleading as the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
When it comes to comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Leatherwood, KY, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy. Hair tests can unveil substance use over a more extended period, providing a broader view of an individual's drug history. Unlike urine tests, which detect drug usage in the short term, hair tests ensure higher reliability due to their longer detection window, thereby offering a more comprehensive analysis.
Hair follicle testing in Leatherwood, KY, shines with its capability of detecting drug use up to 90 days back. This extended detection period offers employers an in-depth view of an employee's past substance usage, allowing for a broader assessment than other tests provide. Such a prolonged detection window enables businesses to uphold integrity and safety standards by being thoroughly informed of an individual's long-term habits.
Hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant method in Leatherwood, KY, significantly lowering the chances for sample adulteration. This testing technique ensures authenticity and dependable outcomes, rendering it virtually foolproof against manipulation. The ability to prevent tampering assures businesses of the credibility of results they rely on for important decisions, promoting transparency and accuracy.
Convenience is key with our hair testing facilities available nationwide, ensuring access in Leatherwood, KY. The presence of numerous testing centers offers not only local user-friendly service but also guarantees prompt and approachable testing options. As a result, the large network of testing locations streamlines the process, making it a hassle-free experience for individuals and businesses alike.
Hair follicle testing in Leatherwood, KY, is distinguished by its straightforward and confidential process. Ordering, administering, and obtaining results are simplified, respecting individuals' privacy concerns. This seamless procedure emphasizes ease of use, ensuring participants feel at ease throughout the process and that their personal information is securely handled, maintaining their confidentiality and comfort.
We offer competitive pricing models for hair follicle testing in Leatherwood, KY, combined with swift result turnover. Our affordable pricing policy ensures testing is accessible to companies of all sizes without financial strain. The fast processing and delivery of outcomes mean businesses receive excellent value, assuring optimal resource utilization and peace of mind without compromising on quality.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests make them a top choice in Leatherwood, KY. Their high accuracy rates in detecting substance use stand out, ensuring that employers and authorities receive clear results. The methodology ensures both quick and reliable outcomes, minimizing waiting time and uncertainty. Hair testing's capability to promptly deliver results adds significant value for decision-makers.
Using hair follicle testing in Leatherwood, KY, empowers employers to adhere to workplace drug-free policies efficiently. By minimizing legal risks and fostering a safe environment, hair tests ensure compliance, enhancing operational security. The implementation of such thorough testing policies offers peace of mind, confirming employees are held to high standards regarding drug use and safety within the workplace.
