Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol intake. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug consumption by ensnaring biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a span of up to nearly 90 days. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a number 2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When referring to head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab includes four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is logged into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry absent from an electronic custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While cost-effective to exclude drug usage for most samples, any sample with a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Presumably positive samples in Screening must undergo a further confirmation test.
For samples marked positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are drawn out from the hair at concentrations much lower than other techniques (such as urine or saliva), rendering hair drug screening the most intricate to execute.
Positive outcomes from Screening are validated through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with presumed positive results are washed before confirmation if needed. The entire testing route from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called “hair follicle testsâ€, the examination actually assesses the hair shaft, not the subdermal follicle.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Maceo, KY, the former provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing can uncover drug use long after a urine test would fail to do so, offering extended timeframes for detection.
The benefits of hair follicle testing are evident, with its capacity to detect substance use beyond the urine test's short window. This method allows employers and professionals to make informed judgments based on reliable data.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Maceo, KY, affords a comprehensive view of substance use history. This is advantageous for employers seeking insights into an employee's or applicant's past behaviors.
The long detection period provided by hair tests enables a detailed assessment, helping organizations ensure their workforce maintains a drug-free environment. Such extensive coverage can aid employers in making well-informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. In Maceo, KY, this reliable testing method offers unquestionable results, reducing doubts and enhancing confidence in substance detection.
This tamper-resistant characteristic ensures the integrity of the testing process, making it an attractive choice for those requiring dependable drug test outcomes and minimizing the chances of erroneous results.
The convenience of having nationwide and local testing centers in Maceo, KY, means easy access to quick and hassle-free drug testing services. Accredited Drug Testing ensures clients can find a nearby facility with minimal effort.
Whether part of a large corporation or a local business, the proximity of testing locations streamlines the process, making it stress-free for individuals and companies alike to meet their testing needs efficiently.
Accredited Drug Testing offers a simple and confidential process for hair testing in Maceo, KY. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are handled with ease and privacy, addressing concerns clients may have.
The process is designed to be user-friendly and respectful of privacy, ensuring that individuals and employers can trust the system to deliver results without compromising personal information.
Competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Maceo, KY, an affordable option. Companies of all sizes benefit from excellent value while maintaining peace of mind.
The combination of cost-effectiveness and swift results ensures that businesses can manage their drug testing needs efficiently without sacrificing quality or accuracy, reinforcing confidence in the testing process.
Hair follicle testing in Maceo, KY, offers unparalleled precision and speed, standing out as a top choice for substance use detection. The process is swift and yields results with high accuracy, ensuring that individuals can be efficiently screened for drugs.
The reliability of hair testing lies in its capability to provide fast and accurate information about drug use. This method reduces the waiting period, allowing for quick decision-making by employers and other entities that require drug testing services.
Employers in Maceo, KY, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thus reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. This testing method contributes to creating a secure and compliant work environment.
By choosing hair follicle testing, businesses can focus on maintaining peace of mind, knowing their adherence to regulatory requirements and commitment to a healthy workplace is supported by robust testing measures.
