Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a potent method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. By ensnaring biomarkers within the strands of developing hair, it offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs. Hair, when collected close to the scalp, can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and validating. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t present, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (face, armpits, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, where the sample is integrated into the lab's system. This phase involves ensuring the sample's secure sealing and shipping, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substance misuse. While Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples evidencing presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate further verification.
Upon a presumptive positive result at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are removed from hair at a lower concentration than methods like urine or oral fluid, thus making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screen is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation, as required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referenced as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing the advantages of hair versus urine testing reveals superior detection accuracy in Lexington, KY. Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests primarily due to its ability to trace drug use for an extended period, delivering more reliable and precise results.
Unlike urine tests that cover a shorter time frame, hair testing offers a broader view of an individual's substance use, proving invaluable for employers adhering to stringent no-drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in Lexington, KY, provides an extended detection period, up to 90 days, offering employers a comprehensive view of an applicant's substance history. This broadened time frame enables a better evaluation beyond the typical scope of urine tests.
Employers can gain a deeper understanding of long-term substance use through hair testing. The extended detection period helps identify patterns and ensures a well-informed hiring decision.
Hair follicle tests in Lexington, KY, significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. These tests offer reliable and incontrovertible results, equipping employers with confidence in their testing outcomes and safeguarding against adulteration issues.
Unlike other methods, the fraud-resistant nature of hair testing provides trustworthy results, ensuring employers can maintain a drug-free workplace without concerns over sample authenticity.
In Lexington, KY, nationwide testing centers offer convenient access to services. Our extensive network ensures a hassle-free, quick, and easy drug testing process, catering to the diverse needs of employers and individuals alike.
Local testing centers provide accessible services across the nation. This availability brings comfort to those seeking prompt and efficient testing with minimal inconvenience.
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results in Lexington, KY, with hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. These facets ensure that privacy concerns are addressed and the overall experience remains user-friendly.
Emphasizing ease of use and confidentiality, the straightforward procedure ensures a seamless process. Users can confidently engage in testing knowing their privacy is protected throughout.
In Lexington, KY, competitive pricing and swift turnaround times highlight the value of hair follicle testing. Employers of all sizes can benefit from fast results and reasonable costs, enhancing peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Hair testing services present affordable solutions with quick results, making them accessible for diverse organizations. This efficiency supports companies in running effective substance monitoring programs without hefty expenses.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle tests in Lexington, KY, make them exceptional. These tests can swiftly and accurately identify substance use. Using hair testing methods, one can rely on their precise outcomes, which significantly empower employers in decision-making.
For a speedy and reliable evaluation of substance consumption, hair follicle tests deliver. Known for their high accuracy, they aid employers in effectively maintaining a drug-free workplace while making swift hiring decisions based on accurate results.
Employing hair follicle testing in Lexington, KY, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing company safety. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are fostering a secure, compliant environment.
Hair testing safeguards against legal complications, demonstrating diligence in maintaining drug-free environments, boosting employer confidence, and ensuring workplace integrity and safety.
