Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can present up to around a 90-day detection span for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands closest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, we suggest 150mg of the specimen. It’s advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in a lab's drug testing procedure include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial acceptance of a sample into a laboratory's system. This includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary swift examination for substance abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective approach for discounting drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. All samples potentially positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests, Oakdale, KY, observers note a remarkable advantage: superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing successfully identifies long-term substance use, far surpassing typical urine analysis.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing from Oakdale, KY, delivers comprehensive substance use insights. Employers gain a detailed view into the behavioral history of current or prospective employees, fostering informed decision-making.
The robustness and resilience of hair follicle tests in Oakdale, KY, seriously reduce tampering risks. This method ensures reliability, producing genuine results that withstand scrutiny, vital for both judicial and private sector evaluations.
With easy access to nationwide testing centers, Oakdale, KY, offers seamless testing services. The convenience of local and widespread locations guarantees a straightforward, stress-free experience for all clients.
Accredited Drug Testing in Oakdale, KY, offers a user-friendly, confidential approach. From ordering to results, the process ensures privacy and simplicity, alleviating client concerns about confidentiality and efficiency.
Our competitive pricing structures, coupled with expedited turnaround times in Oakdale, KY, offer businesses exceptional value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable options and swift service delivery.
The swiftness and precision provided by hair follicle testing in Oakdale, KY, stand out due to its exceptional accuracy. Beyond rapid detection capabilities, these tests are pivotal in tracing substance use with utmost reliability.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Oakdale, KY, helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Coupled with a decrease in potential legal obstacles, this method supports employers fostering secure, compliant environments.
