Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical trace of alcohol and various drugs by securing biomarkers within the fibers of its growth. When sampled near the scalp, hair reveals a detection span of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for tests and confirmations. For EtG, additions, or tests beyond 10 panels, it's advisable to obtain 150mg of the hair sample. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be lacking, a corresponding amount of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair pertains strictly to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing drug test results incorporate four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves getting the sample integrated into a lab’s system. This encompasses ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admission. Any samples indicating a positive result in Screening require another confirmation.
In the event a sample shows a positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this step, drugs are taken from hair at a much lesser concentration than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a highly difficult method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as required. The overall lab process, including Accessioning and Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Letcher, KY
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. By analyzing longer strands of hair, this method uncovers a more comprehensive history of substance use, giving employers a clearer picture and a robust tool for maintaining drug-free environments in the workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Letcher, KY
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its long detection window, which extends up to 90 days. This capability allows employers to obtain a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's past substance use, ensuring a consistent and drug-free workplace environment in Letcher, KY.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Letcher, KY
The hair follicle testing method vastly minimizes the likelihood of sample adulteration. Its sophisticated process ensures that results are trustworthy and unquestionable, granting confidence and certainty to those relying on its findings in Letcher, KY.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Letcher, KY
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers offers unparalleled convenience, facilitating quick and straightforward access to testing services. This accessibility ensures a hassle-free experience for individuals and employers alike in Letcher, KY.
Simple, Confidential Process in Letcher, KY
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and providing an easy-to-follow protocol for ordering, completing, and receiving test results. This ensures peace of mind for users in Letcher, KY.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Letcher, KY
With competitive pricing structures and prompt turnaround times, hair follicle testing offers exceptional value. This cost-effectiveness is particularly beneficial for companies of all sizes seeking peace of mind through reliable testing services in Letcher, KY.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Letcher, KY
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise results, offering unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use. This method's reliability is instrumental in delivering fast conclusions that empower informed decision-making for both employers and individuals in Letcher, KY.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Letcher, KY
Employers can greatly benefit from hair follicle testing, which assures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By reducing potential legal risks and enhancing safety within the workplace, it fosters an environment of compliance and peace of mind in Letcher, KY.
