Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption has grown. Hair captures a lasting record of substance intake by holding biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When hair is trimmed near the scalp, it can offer a window of detection extending up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is uncomplicated, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
By taking a 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, you gather 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For add-ons like EtG or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to measure the hair's weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair is also acceptable. References to head hair denote scalp-specific hair. Meanwhile, body hair encompasses all other categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in processing a sample at a laboratory, which includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry that might be needed aside from what's available in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a quick initial examination for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is economically efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, positive screen outcomes require confirmation to be considered valid in legal settings. Any samples showing a presumptuous positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample records a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. At this juncture, the focus is on isolating drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging to execute.
Confirmations of any positive screening results are conducted through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete lab procedure adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In London, KY, hair follicle testing has emerged as a superior alternative to urine testing, offering unmatched accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing provides an extensive detection window, covering up to 90 days, thus uncovering longer-term substance use patterns. This makes it invaluable for employers enforcing stringent drug-free policies.
Urine tests often face scrutiny due to their limited detection period and vulnerability to manipulation. In contrast, a hair follicle test is difficult to tamper with, representing a robust solution for accurate substance detection. The advanced methodology behind hair testing enhances its capability to identify drug use history effectively.
In London, KY, the appeal of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection window. Capable of revealing drug use over a span of up to 90 days, it offers employers a detailed understanding of a candidate's or employee's substance use history. This comprehensive view allows businesses to make informed hiring and retention decisions, ensuring the safety and productivity of their workforce.
The longevity of detection in hair follicle tests surpasses that of standard methods. Employers benefit from this extended insight, which helps prevent potential workplace-related issues tied to substance abuse. This prolonged detectability establishes hair tests as an essential tool for maintaining workplace integrity.
Hair follicle testing in London, KY stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature. The complexity of altering a hair sample significantly enhances its reliability, making it nearly impossible to fake or contaminate. This characteristic ensures that the results produced are both credible and unquestionable, thus reinforcing trust in workplace and legal test outcomes.
By minimizing the risk of adulteration, hair follicle tests provide stakeholders with assurance and peace of mind. The method's inherent protection against unethical practices makes it a preferred choice for environments requiring stringent substance use oversight, helping to maintain integrity and safety standards.
With multiple nationwide testing centers, including those in London, KY, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience. Our strategically located centers ensure that individuals and businesses can access testing services without hassle. This ease of access simplifies the testing process, providing quick and straightforward service to meet various needs.
Our extensive network means that testing is not only convenient but also accessible. Whether for employment screenings or personal requirements, our locations provide efficient service, saving time and effort while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
Accredited Drug Testing's process, operating within London, KY, is both simple and confidential. Ordering a test, providing a sample, and receiving the feedback is designed to protect privacy at every step. This confidentiality ensures that personal and professional concerns are managed with care, fostering trust with all clients.
The seamless and discreet nature of our testing procedure makes it user-friendly. By addressing concerns about data privacy and simplifying the experience, clients can feel secure and assured in the testing process, from start to finish.
Our services in London, KY offer affordable pricing without compromising on quality. Accredited Drug Testing provides competitively priced hair follicle tests with a fast turnaround, ensuring exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. We understand the importance of cost-effectiveness and promptness, which is why our solutions are tailored to meet diverse organizational needs.
By combining excellent pricing with quick result delivery, we help companies maintain budgetary and operational efficiency. Our commitment to affordability and speed underlines the benefit of choosing hair follicle testing as a reliable means of substance detection.
In London, KY, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy. Not only do these tests offer precise results, but they also efficiently detect substance use, giving instant peace of mind to employers and institutions alike. The process is swift, meaning that results are obtained without unnecessary delays, ensuring decisions are made with reliable data in hand.
The advanced detection capability of hair follicle testing is unmatched. Its refined methodology ensures high accuracy levels, making it the preferred choice for those requiring dependable results. For businesses, this means reduced risks and assured compliance with their substance use policies.
For employers in London, KY, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method helps mitigate legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing employers with peace of mind. By integrating hair follicle tests, businesses uphold their commitment to maintaining a secure and productive environment for all employees.
Employers value hair testing for its accuracy and reliability in substance detection, establishing a trustworthy framework for enforcing compliance. The method's comprehensive detection capabilities support proactive management and offer real-time reassurance of a clean workplace.