Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through the integration of biomarkers within the hair strand's growing fibers, hair serves as a vehicle for documenting a long-duration history of substance use. When hair is collected near to the scalp, a detection period of approximately three months can be achieved for alcohol and various drugs. The collection process of hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and ensures convenient shipment.
A sample measured at 1.5 inches, which contains around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), can yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional components, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. A jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. In situations where scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair exclusively pertain to scalp hair. Other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair, are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the processing of a drug test result in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning step involves the sample's initial processing into the lab's system, including verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary manual data entry that the electronic chain of custody system does not provide.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While it is an economical strategy to discard drug use in most samples, outcomes from a positive screen require confirmation to be accepted legally. Samples that are presumptively positive in the Screening phase must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation during Extraction. At this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at markedly lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), presenting hair drug screening as the most challenging procedure to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodology conducts the Confirmation of positive screening results. Each presumptive positive sample undergoes washing prior to confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: These tests are often referred to as "hair follicle tests", but this is inaccurate, as the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Middletown, KY, hair follicle testing surpasses the traditional urine test in several ways. The detection accuracy is higher, and the results more reliable. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses are less susceptible to tampering, offering a better overview of substance use.
With a detection window reaching up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Middletown, KY, provides an extensive look into an individual’s drug use history. Employers can make informed decisions regarding applicant or employee substance history thanks to this prolonged detection period.
Hair follicle tests in Middletown, KY, offer a substantial advantage by reducing sample tampering risks. The method yields reliable and unquestionable outcomes, presenting an ideal solution for those seeking definitive drug test results.
Convenience is at the forefront with our Middletown, KY locations, backed by our nationwide network. Testing services are quick, easy, and hassle-free, providing each client with seamless access to drug testing needs no matter where they are.
Our process in Middletown, KY, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving results has never been more straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use for all individuals involved.
In Middletown, KY, our pricing remains competitive, paired with fast turnaround times. We deliver excellent value, serving businesses of various sizes with assurance and quick responses to their drug testing requirements.
Hair follicle drug tests in Middletown, KY, offer precise and swift outcomes. The high accuracy in detecting substances makes them a preferred choice. Results are not just quick, but incredibly reliable, giving peace of mind to the testers.
Ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Middletown, KY, is easier with hair follicle testing. It leads to reduced legal risks and increased workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers who value adherence to strict regulations.
