Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to approximately 90 days. Gathering hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hairs (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen's weight. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Outline
The primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any extra data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers an economical approach to excluding drug usage in most samples, any sample that tests positive in screening must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in far lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which adds to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Mentor, KY, the former boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a wider detection window, allowing for a more detailed analysis of an individual's drug history.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing reduces opportunities for evasion or tampering. This level of security in testing provides significant advantages, making hair-based methods more appealing for those enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Employers in Mentor, KY benefit from hair follicle testing through its extended detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. This approach offers a long-term view of an individual's substance habits.
The comprehensive nature of this testing makes it ideal for assessing compliance over time, differing starkly from shorter-range tests, like urine, enabling a more thorough review.
Hair follicle tests in Mentor, KY deliver a tamper-resistant method, minimizing risks associated with sample adulteration. The collection process involves stringent observation, providing more trustworthy results.
This reliability ensures confidence in the findings, offering crucial peace of mind to employers looking to uphold corporate standards.
In Mentor, KY, our widespread network of testing locations ensures that drug testing services are always within reach, offering unmatched convenience.
These nationwide centers make the process smooth and stress-free, eliminating barriers to accessing essential testing resources efficiently.
The process of hair follicle testing in Mentor, KY is both simple and confidential, prioritizing the privacy of every individual involved.
From order to result, every step is streamlined, ensuring ease of use without compromising on security, providing reassurance to participants.
Offering competitive pricing in Mentor, KY, we ensure that hair follicle testing is accessible without sacrificing quality. Our fast turnaround times complement this affordability.
This excellent value not only saves costs but also grants companies peace of mind, ensuring their staff complies with necessary regulations in a timely manner.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Mentor, KY are unmatched, offering swift and accurate detection of substance use. This method excels by producing dependable results more quickly compared to traditional tests.
With a high level of reliability, hair tests ensure detection of a wide range of substances, making them a preferred choice for those seeking fast, reliable evidence of drug use. The efficiency of the testing process highlights its effectiveness.
Implementing hair follicle drug testing in Mentor, KY ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, aiding businesses in maintaining safety and reducing legal risks.
This reliable testing method not only enhances workplace security but also ensures adherence to set regulations, providing employers with the assurance they need.
