Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair provides an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is taken close to the scalp, it can offer an approximate 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advised. If scalp hair is not accessible, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be used. When specifically mentioning head hair, it pertains to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main steps in laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's preliminary integration into a lab’s system. This incorporates ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial check for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening need additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the initial sample and set for Extraction. During this phase, drug compounds are retrieved from hair in a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Tops Urine Testing in Mountain Valley, KY is clearly defined through its enhanced detection reliability. Unlike urine tests, which offer a brief detection period, hair testing provides a clearer, longer investigative scope, presenting highly dependable results for employers and legal bodies.
With hair follicle testing in Mountain Valley, KY, the extended detection period, up to 90 days, is unmatched. Employers gain a thorough understanding of an individual's historical substance use, affording them informed staffing decisions based on comprehensive evaluations over time.
Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering, a notable advantage in Mountain Valley, KY. This test type minimizes the risk of interference, ensuring results remain credible and trustworthy, a key consideration for stringent compliance requirements.
A convenient feature for residents of Mountain Valley, KY is the extensive network of testing locations. This nationwide access ensures a straightforward experience for undertaking requisite tests locally without undue hassle, making the process both rapid and smooth.
The process for hair follicle testing in Mountain Valley, KY is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the system ensures privacy is maintained, addressing any concerns individuals might have about confidentiality or ease of operation.
With competitive pricing and quick response times, hair follicle testing in Mountain Valley, KY offers superb value. It ensures businesses of any size receive efficient service, paving the way for quicker decision-making and peace of mind regarding substance testing.
In Mountain Valley, KY, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and rapid results. Hair testing proves exceptionally accurate, making it a reliable choice for detecting substance use efficiently and effectively across various applications, ensuring you receive any necessary results quickly and confidently.
For employers in Mountain Valley, KY, utilizing hair follicle drug testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace mandates. It minimizes potential legal issues and bolsters workplace security, affording managers peace of mind through established compliance measures.
