Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is now acknowledged as a potent means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair locks in chemical markers within its growing fibers, offering a comprehensive record of substance use. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal about a 3-month period of alcohol and drug presence. It's straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.
A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, ideal for evaluation and verification. For EtG, supplementary assessments, and/or tests extending beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to check the weight using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn't available, a similar volume of body hair can be used. When we refer to head hair, we're speaking of scalp hair specifically. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The core phases in processing a lab drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This involves checking the sample’s seal and transportation, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary check for drug misuse. While it’s cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need a further confirmation step.
Should a sample show a possible positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. This process retrieves drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug analysis is complex.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the process examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle under the skin
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mount Sterling, KY
When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle tests stand out for their superior detection accuracy and reliability, surpassing traditional urine tests in Mount Sterling, KY. Employers benefit from the longer detection window and reliable results that hair testing provides, ensuring a thorough assessment of substance use over time.
Extended Detection Window in Mount Sterling, KY
Hair follicle testing boasts an extended detection period of up to 90 days, providing employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. This extended window allows for a deeper insight into past behaviors, an advantage over shorter-duration tests, especially useful for Mount Sterling's businesses.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mount Sterling, KY
The hair follicle testing method is inherently resistant to tampering, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are trustworthy and beyond question, providing clarity and certainty for employers in Mount Sterling, KY, who rely on these tests for critical decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mount Sterling, KY
Our testing services are accessible nationwide, including in Mount Sterling, KY, offering convenience and ease. With readily available multiple locations, obtaining a hair follicle drug test becomes straightforward and hassle-free for businesses and individuals alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mount Sterling, KY
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Mount Sterling is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use. Our streamlined process addresses any concerns related to testing, allowing clients to focus on the results without worry.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mount Sterling, KY
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing an affordable option for businesses of all sizes in Mount Sterling, KY. Experience the value of timely and cost-effective drug testing solutions without compromising on quality or reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mount Sterling, KY
In Mount Sterling, KY, hair follicle testing is renowned for its precision and speed. This method delivers accurate substance detection results swiftly, giving peace of mind to employers and individuals alike. The high accuracy of hair analysis ensures a credible assessment of substance use over an extended period.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mount Sterling, KY
Hair follicle testing helps to enforce a drug-free workplace, ensuring compliance with company policies and mitigating legal risks. In Mount Sterling, KY, employers benefit from enhanced workplace safety and peace of mind, knowing they have taken substantial steps to minimize substance-related incidents.
