Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of substances by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug use for up to an estimated three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the preferred sample for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. Reference to head hair is specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The chief phases in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory system. This phase ensures the sample is appropriately sealed and transported, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it serves as a cost-effective method to rule out drug usage for most specimens, a positive screening result must be confirmed to be legally permissible. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves retrieving drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination is carried out on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Oak Level, KY, hair follicle testing exceeds urine tests with undeniable advantages. Superior Accuracy ensures even occasional use is detected, providing a reliable substance use history. Extended Detection periods within hair samples offer insights urine tests can't.
The comparison between hair and urine testing is clear: hair assessments deliver unmatched assurance, giving a clearer window into past substance use, vital for strict policy adherence.
For residents of Oak Level, KY, the Extended Detection Window offered by hair follicle testing is a game-changer. Spanning up to 90 days, it provides a thorough picture of substance use, beyond the capabilities of other methods.
Employers gain by leveraging this longer window, obtaining a detailed substance use profile that can inform better hiring decisions, offering a clearer insight into potential employees' histories.
Subverting test results comes with significant challenges in Oak Level, KY, thanks to hair follicle testing's Tamper-Resistant nature. The process's integrity minimizes risks of sample alteration.
This robust resistance to tampering means that hair tests deliver reliable outcomes, making them essential for environments where authenticity and reliability are paramount, reducing doubts of sample adulteration.
Convenient testing is crucial in Oak Level, KY, facilitated by our Nationwide Testing presence. With centers across the country, accessing testing services is seamless and efficient.
Local and national coverage ensures that wherever you are, testing remains accessible and streamlined, minimizing disruption and maximizing convenience for individuals and businesses alike.
In Oak Level, KY, the hair follicle testing process stands out for its Simplicity. From order to result, the steps are clear-cut, emphasizing confidentiality to ease privacy concerns.
The process's user-friendly nature ensures participants can engage with testing confidently, aware their privacy is respected, receiving timely results without hassle, making it a stress-free choice.
The combination of Affordable Pricing and prompt results affirms Oak Level, KY's commitment to quality testing. Competitive rates make it accessible for various business sizes.
Relying on effective, quick turnaround times further justifies using hair follicle testing, assuring organizations they receive excellent value without compromising on speed or accuracy.
Oak Level, KY benefits from the hair follicle test's impressive precision and speed. Unlike traditional tests, hair assessments excel in pinpointing substance usage. Speed and Accuracy are pivotal, ensuring employers receive reliable information quickly, maintaining occupational safety efficiently.
Rapid Results from hair tests mean peace of mind is never far away for those seeking clarity on substance use, proving invaluable in various professional environments.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Oak Level, KY bolsters employer Compliance with drug-free policies. Adopting these tests mitigates legal risks, ensuring companies maintain adherence to strict workplace standards.
With hair testing, companies promote safety, enhancing peace of mind by upholding rigorous policies, preventively deterring substance use with reliable testing protocols.
