Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strands maintain a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the growing fibers. When clipped close to the scalp, hair offers a detection span of nearly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, or assessments with more than 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair is acceptable. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system. This step includes verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for potential drug presence. This step offers a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug use for the majority of samples; however, positive screenings must be verified to stand in court. Presumptive positives in Screenings require further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at more diluted concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screen requires methodologies such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although typically described as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Orchard Grass Hills, KY, hair follicle testing outranks traditional urine tests when it comes to accuracy and reliability. Hair tests effectively identify substance use over a longer time frame, enhancing detection accuracy.
The comprehensive nature of hair testing makes it a superior alternative, ensuring more reliable information on substance use history when compared to urine tests.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Orchard Grass Hills, KY provides insights into substance use for up to 90 days. This offers employers a broad picture of an individual's drug history.
The ability to track drug use over a prolonged period ensures employers in Orchard Grass Hills have comprehensive knowledge of their employees' substance use profiles.
The hair follicle testing method in Orchard Grass Hills, KY reduces the risk of tampered samples significantly. The meticulous process of collection and analysis leaves no room for adulteration, ensuring integrity.
Hair tests provide unquestionable results, bolstering confidence in their reliability for accurate drug use assessments.
Access to drug testing is made convenient with our widespread testing locations, including those in Orchard Grass Hills, KY. Quick and hassle-free services ensure testing is within reach for everyone.
Our network of facilities nationwide guarantees effortless access, simplifying the testing process no matter the location.
The hair follicle drug testing procedure in Orchard Grass Hills, KY is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes user privacy and simplicity.
The confidential approach to our testing process ensures that all privacy concerns are addressed while maintaining ease of use.
In Orchard Grass Hills, KY, we offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle drug testing. The swift turnaround times enhance value, meeting the needs of businesses of varying sizes.
Affordable pricing coupled with rapid results ensures our services provide exceptional value and reassurance for all clients.
The hair follicle drug tests in Orchard Grass Hills, KY are renowned for their precision and promptness. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring reliability every step of the way.
Employing advanced technology, hair testing delivers fast and trustworthy results, making it a preferred choice for those seeking dependability in substance detection.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Orchard Grass Hills, KY aids employers in upholding drug-free workplace policies. This practice not only mitigates legal risks but also promotes a safer work environment.
Ensuring compliance through hair testing provides peace of mind, knowing that all legal and safety standards are met efficiently.