Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as an effective method, hair testing serves as an insightful means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lengthy record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. Proximity to the scalp ensures that hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to nearly three months. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's girth) gathered nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and corroboration. For EtG, additional tests, or panels above ten, 150mg of hair is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable volume of body hair is acceptable. The term 'head hair' refers solely to scalp hair. 'Body hair' encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The steps fundamental to lab analysis in drug testing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the focus is on processing the sample into the laboratory system initially. This step involves verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing essential data entries absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although it offers a cost-effective avenue to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation to be court-worthy. Any samples yielding presumptive positives in Screening mandate further confirmation.
Should Screening suggest a positive result, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair, albeit at a lower concentration than other methods like urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug screening a particularly challenging technique.
Positive results from screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, any potential positive samples go through necessary washing. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to standards set by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Masonville, KY
Hair testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing, providing superior detection and reliability. While urine tests are common, hair follicle tests present a wider detection range, identifying drugs consumed within the past 90 days. This broader perspective is invaluable for employers requiring comprehensive substance use insights.
Extended Detection Window in Masonville, KY
Hair follicle testing allows a comprehensive look into an individual’s drug history over an extended period of up to 90 days. This prolonged detection window offers employers an in-depth understanding of a person's substance use, crucial for making informed staffing decisions or evaluating ongoing compliance to workplace standards.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Masonville, KY
Hair follicle tests effectively minimize the risk of sample tampering, delivering consistent and reliable results. The anatomical nature of hair samples makes manipulation difficult, assuring employers and testers that the outcomes are authentic and trustworthy. Such integrity is a significant advantage of hair testing compared to other methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Masonville, KY
Our widespread network of testing centers nationwide assures accessible and convenient services, including in Masonville. This extensive coverage allows individuals and businesses quick and hassle-free access to high-quality testing facilities, ensuring swift service without the need for long-distance travel.
Simple, Confidential Process in Masonville, KY
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects confidentiality. Clients can easily order, undertake, and receive their results without privacy concerns. This easy, secure procedure prioritizes user comfort, reinforcing our commitment to discretion and convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Masonville, KY
Our pricing strategies are competitive, ensuring affordability for businesses of various sizes. Combined with quick result turnaround, we offer unparalleled value, accommodating employers' needs for cost-effective and efficient testing solutions, empowering them to make informed decisions swiftly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Masonville, KY
Hair follicle drug testing showcases remarkable accuracy in identifying substance use patterns. The method stands out due to its precision and quick processing time. With this testing, accurate results are promptly delivered, lending confidence to both employers and individuals seeking swift and reliable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Masonville, KY
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, fostering a safer work environment. This method reduces legal risks associated with drug use, granting employers peace of mind. Such defensible testing practices not only uphold policy adherence but also enhance overall workplace safety.
