Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluation has become recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands archive a lengthy history of substances by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When cut close to the head, hair can yield up to roughly a three-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal phases in laboratory processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system, verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening efficiently excludes drug use in most samples due to its cost-effectiveness, a positive screen requires validation to be allowed in legal settings. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
In the event of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and set for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
The Confirmation of positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strands and not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in McVeigh, KY Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy when compared to traditional urine tests. The hair follicle method not only detects a broader range of substances, but it also captures a longer history of drug use, ensuring a more comprehensive analysis.
It elevates reliability, ensuring that employers get an accurate picture of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in McVeigh, KY The hair follicle testing method provides an extended detection period, capable of identifying drug use over a much longer timeframe, up to 90 days. This allows employers invaluable insights into an applicant or employee's substance history.
It provides a broader view than other testing methods, highlighting habitual drug use rather than isolated incidents, supporting informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McVeigh, KY Hair follicle drug tests significantly minimize the chances of sample tampering. The method involves a stringent collection process that reduces adulteration risks, ensuring results are both reliable and indisputable.
This tamper-resistant attribute grants peace of mind to employers looking to maintain a drug-free environment, bolstering the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in McVeigh, KY With a network of testing centers across the nation, accessing drug testing services is seamless and efficient. Employers and individuals in McVeigh can conveniently find local centers offering quick and hassle-free services, ensuring expedited testing processes and minimizing downtime.
Simple, Confidential Process in McVeigh, KY Our testing process, from ordering to results, is designed for simplicity and privacy. Clients in McVeigh can rest assured that their information remains confidential every step of the way.
This aspect is crucial for fostering trust and ease of use for participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in McVeigh, KY Our competitive pricing and rapid result processing ensure excellent value for businesses of any size looking for efficient drug testing options.
By providing cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed, companies can achieve peace of mind, knowing they are receiving the best possible service for their investment in workplace safety.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McVeigh, KY Hair follicle drug tests provide precise and fast feedback, offering high accuracy in detecting substance use. With swift processing, employers and individuals get prompt results that are dependable and trustworthy, ensuring timely decision-making.
This expediency is paramount in maintaining workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies, making hair tests an excellent choice.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in McVeigh, KY Adopting hair follicle testing fosters compliance with workplace drug-free regulations, reducing legal liabilities and promoting safety. Employers can confidently enforce strict drug policies, maintaining a safer work environment for all, by utilizing this method.
Ensuring peace of mind with regulated test procedures, it's a robust choice for managing workforce health and safety.