Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying substance use. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in its strands. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated three months’ usage window for substances. The collection process is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, requiring roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a standard pencil), provides 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG enhancements and/or evaluations beyond ten panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise assessing the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent volume of body hair is permissible. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The lab analysis of a drug test result is divided into four sequential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a lab’s framework, which includes confirming the sample's sealing and dispatch, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entries unavailable through an electronic custody system.
Screening involves a swift initial assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug presence in many cases, a positive finding requires confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptive positive results from the Screening stage necessitate a secondary confirmation test.
Upon obtaining a presumptive positive result in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original batch for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those employed in methods like urine or saliva tests, accentuating the complexity of hair drug evaluation.
Confirmation of any positive findings from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accredited ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the evaluation targets the hair strand and excludes the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mockingbird Valley, KY. Hair testing offers a longer detection timeframe and greater accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Employers benefit from more reliable results, as hair tests mitigate common urine test limitations. Thus, hair follicle testing emerges as the superior choice for comprehensive drug use detection.
Extended Detection Window in Mockingbird Valley, KY. Hair follicle testing shines by tracing substance use up to 90 days back. This prolonged detection period grants employers a thorough insight into the individual's drug history, aiding in informed decision-making. Compared to shorter spans of urine tests, this approach proves advantageous.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mockingbird Valley, KY. Hair follicle tests dramatically minimize the likelihood of sample alteration, ensuring reliability. The method’s strict collection procedures and biological characteristics of hair make it a robust solution against tampering, providing assurance in the test results' integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mockingbird Valley, KY. With an extensive network of nationwide centers, accessing testing services is simple and hassle-free. Whether local or afar, individuals and employers have easy access to compliant testing, making the process seamless from start to finish.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mockingbird Valley, KY. The procedure ensures entire confidentiality from ordering to receiving results. The stress-free method respects privacy, making the hair drug testing experience both straightforward and discrete for all clientele.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mockingbird Valley, KY. Competitive pricing structures coupled with quick result delivery make investing in hair follicle testing a cost-effective decision. This balance offers excellent value, assuring companies of all sizes swift and budget-conscious solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mockingbird Valley, KY. The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, quickly identifying substance use. The speed at which test results are processed means decisions can be made more swiftly. This efficiency does not compromise accuracy; hair tests provide a detailed account of an individual's substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mockingbird Valley, KY. Implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and bolstering safety, employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are upholding high standards and fostering a safer environment.
