Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The detection of drug and alcohol use has seen hair testing become a formidable tool. By trapping biomarkers in the fibers of the actively growing hair strand, hair gives a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month timeframe for drug and alcohol detection. It is easy to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for screening and further confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If unavailable, scalp hair can be replaced with a similar amount of body hair. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair only, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
Four key phases are involved in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, involves the allocation of a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a rapid preliminary check for drug abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to hold up in legal proceedings. Presumptive positives from the Screening process demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This phase involves drug extraction from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (for instance, urine or oral fluid), which is why performing hair drug screening is notably challenging.
Any positive result from Screening undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples tentatively positive are washed prior to the Confirmation stage if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the laboratory process undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and acquires accreditation in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, although the analysis actually involves the hair strand itself, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing methods in Oakbrook, KY, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests. Not only does it offer superior detection accuracy, but it also provides better reliability. Such tests eliminate doubts, enhancing trust in workplace safety programs.
Compared to urine testing, hair follicle drug tests provide a more comprehensive analysis due to their extended detection periods. This ensures that substance use is effectively monitored, improving adherence to zero-tolerance policies.
Hair follicle testing in Oakbrook, KY boasts a significant advantage with its extended detection window. Capturing drug use up to 90 days prior, it offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, aiding informed decision-making processes.
This prolonged detection period ensures that employers have a clear understanding of a potential employee or current staff member's past substance use, strengthening workplace governance and safety protocols.
Oakbrook, KY's preference for hair follicle tests stems from their tamper-resistant nature. Because sample manipulation is decidedly difficult, these tests yield reliable and indisputable results, enhancing confidence in their outcomes.
The effectiveness of hair testing in preventing sample adulteration is unmatched. It provides a dependable solution for employers seeking accurate insights into substance usage, thus reinforcing organizational integrity and standards.
Convenience is a hallmark of our testing services in Oakbrook, KY, underscored by numerous nationwide centers. These centers facilitate quick and hassle-free access to drug testing, ensuring clients find the process straightforward and efficient.
The availability of multiple conveniently located centers means individuals and employers can easily obtain required testing services, minimizing disruption and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Accredited Drug Testing offers a simple and confidential drug testing process in Oakbrook, KY. We address privacy concerns adeptly, ensuring the process from ordering to receiving results is straightforward.
Our easy-to-use system empowers clients to undertake testing without complexities, granting peace of mind about data protection, while providing seamless and confidential management of their testing needs.
In Oakbrook, KY, our drug testing services are characterized by affordable pricing structures coupled with a fast turnaround. This blend of cost-efficiency and speed ensures unmatched value for companies of all sizes.
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service at competitive rates, granting businesses the capability to secure reliable drug testing without financial strain, all while receiving results rapidly.
In Oakbrook, KY, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swiftness. Known for their high accuracy rates, these tests impeccably detect substance use, ensuring that results are both reliable and quickly available. This benefit allows for effective decision-making.
The ability of hair follicle testing to deliver fast and accurate results makes it an indispensable tool. It ensures that employers can swiftly address substance use concerns, maintaining a safe and compliant environment in the workplace.
For employers in Oakbrook, KY, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind. By upholding workplace drug-free policies, this testing method reduces legal risks and promotes a safer working environment.
Employing hair follicle drug tests reinforces an employer's commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace, thereby minimizing potential liabilities while elevating the overall safety and compliance of the workplace.
