Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hairs (around the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, an ideal sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. We advise using a jeweler's scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair might be collected. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (face, underarms, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a laboratory drug test result includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation as the main phases.
Accessioning is the initial processing stage of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical way to rule out drug use for most samples, positive screens need confirmation to be defensible in legal scenarios. Samples that test positive in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples testing positive at the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most challenging approach.
Positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the assessment targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Paw Paw, KY, distinctly surpasses urine testing, offering superior detection and reliability. While urine tests are common, hair tests provide a higher rate of detection accuracy. Hair testing is less prone to tampering and provides an extensive 90-day insight into substance usage, making it the premium choice over traditional methods.
Employers in Paw Paw, KY, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair sampling detects drug use for up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. This feature helps employers evaluate long-term drug habits, helping maintain a safe workplace environment.
Paw Paw, KY, sees hair follicle testing as an asset due to its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are difficult to adulterate, delivering reliable and unquestionable outcomes. This testing method ensures integrity, providing peace of mind for both the tester and the tested, as it greatly reduces the risk of any sample manipulation.
For residents of Paw Paw, KY, and nationwide, convenient testing locations make hair drug testing hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures easy and quick access to hair follicle testing. Whether you're local or in another city, you can benefit from our widespread centers, facilitating a seamless testing experience for all.
In Paw Paw, KY, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process prioritizes privacy and ease. This ensures clients feel comfortable and secure, knowing their information is handled discreetly and efficiently, providing assurance throughout each step.
For businesses in Paw Paw, KY, cost-effective pricing and swift results define our hair follicle testing service. We ensure competitive pricing structures that suit companies of all sizes. The quick turnaround of results offers peace of mind, making this service both economically viable and highly efficient for business needs.
In Paw Paw, KY, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. Hair analysis is a precise method of detecting substances, offering results that are both reliable and timely. This testing ensures an accurate account of an individual's substance use history, making it a preferred choice for those who need fast and precise evaluations.
In Paw Paw, KY, embracing hair follicle testing endorses compliance and assures employers of a secure workplace environment. This method aids in enforcing zero-tolerance policies, diminishing legal concerns associated with drug usage. Employers trust hair testing for maintaining drug-free workplaces, enhancing safety and employee trust.