Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands, hair offers an extended retrospective view of substance use. Samples collected near the scalp can reveal drug or alcohol use up to around a 90-day timeframe. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be sourced. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample's correct sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary swift evaluation for drug abuse. While it's a cost-efficient means to disprove drug usage for most samples, a positive result from Screening necessitates confirmation for it to hold in legal contexts. Samples presumed positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drug removal occurs at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of executing hair drug screening tests.
Verification of any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation if needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, every step in the lab process is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although called "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Monticello, KY
In Monticello, hair follicle testing is becoming a preferred option, offering distinct advantages over the traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Monticello, KY
Employers in Monticello gain a wider perspective on past substance use through hair follicle testing.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Monticello, KY
The secure nature of hair tests diminishes the chances of sample tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Monticello, KY
Accredited Drug Testing offers easy access to testing facilities all over Monticello.
Simple, Confidential Process in Monticello, KY
The process for hair follicle testing in Monticello is both simple and confidential.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Monticello, KY
Accredited Drug Testing prides itself on reasonable pricing and rapid results in Monticello, KY.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Monticello, KY
Hair follicle drug testing is known for its precision and speed, making it a trustworthy choice in Monticello.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Monticello, KY
Hair follicle testing assists employers to adhere to drug-free policies in Monticello.
