Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of growing hair strands capture biomarkers, providing a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs. Hair, especially when gathered close to the scalp, can offer a detection period of up to three months for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for tests. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advised. It’s suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. When scalp hair isn't available, the equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair imply scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the sample's initial processing into the laboratory's system, involving verification of proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drugs, offering a cost-effective means to eliminate drug use in most samples. However, a positive screen mandates confirmation to be valid for legal purposes. Presumptive positives require further verification.
For presumptive positives, additional hair from the initial sample is used for Extraction, where drugs are extracted at lower concentrations compared to other methods, like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The full process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as “hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Long Fork, KY
Hair testing in Long Fork, KY, outperforms urine tests by providing superior detection capabilities, with results showing a clearer picture of drug usage. Unlike urine tests, which are more limited in their scope and prone to discrepancies, hair testing offers unmatched accuracy, making it the preferred choice for those prioritizing precise and credible outcomes.
Extended Detection Window in Long Fork, KY
Hair follicle testing offers an expansive detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive assessment allows employers in Long Fork, KY, to gain deeper insights into an applicant's or employee's substance use patterns, fostering informed decisions in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Long Fork, KY
The hair follicle test stands as a robust option to prevent sample tampering. Its stringent collection process and inherent resistance to manipulation provide Long Fork, KY, stakeholders unswayed confidence, assuring reliable results that remain uncontested by any attempt at tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Long Fork, KY
Accessibility is key, and Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing centers both nationwide and within Long Fork, KY. Our locations are strategically placed to provide seamless access to testing services, simplifying the process for all stakeholders, ensuring easy and efficient drug testing options.
Simple, Confidential Process in Long Fork, KY
The process of ordering and conducting hair follicle tests with us is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. Long Fork, KY, residents can expect a straightforward, private experience from start to finish, addressing any privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Long Fork, KY
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests in Long Fork, KY. Our commitment to affordability provides peace of mind and excellent value for organizations of different sizes, ensuring that effective drug testing is within reach for all.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Long Fork, KY
Residents of Long Fork, KY, can rely on hair follicle testing for its quick and precise results. These tests are designed to detect substances with high accuracy, ensuring that the findings are not only swift but also reliable. This specificity places hair follicle testing ahead in delivering dependable results for both individuals and employers.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Long Fork, KY
Hair follicle testing ensures that Long Fork, KY, employers can adhere to drug-free workplace regulations with greater ease. This method offers a legal safeguard against potential challenges while enhancing workplace safety, offering employers tranquility in maintaining a compliant and secure environment.
