Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, it offers up to a 3-month detection period for substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample that is 1.5 inches long and consists of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to about 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing. For EtG, additional items, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is needed. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair refers to all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four main procedures: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's preliminary handling within a lab's system. It includes confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid initial evaluation for drug presence. While cost-effective in excluding drug use for most samples, a positive initial screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that test preliminarily positive in Screening mandate further confirmation.
In instances of a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive result follows through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Verification is necessary for all presumptive positives, which are cleansed before confirmation as applicable. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Prestonsburg, KY offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy, hair tests cover a broader window, revealing substance usage often missed by urine analysis. The reliability of hair testing assures managers and legal bodies of dependable results, providing peace of mind and confidence in maintaining a drug-free environment.
In Prestonsburg, KY, the hair follicle testing method reveals drug use over an extensive window, up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding in better hiring decisions. With this extensive detection period, companies can ensure that potential employees haven't engaged in unsanctioned substance use, potentially impacting workplace safety and productivity.
Hair follicle tests in Prestonsburg, KY significantly curb the possibility of sample tampering. Unlike urine tests that can be adulterated, hair tests are collected under supervision and are nearly impossible to alter. This provides credible and irrefutable results which are essential for maintaining strict drug-free workplace policies and ensure fairness in enforcement.
With numerous testing locations nationwide, including Prestonsburg, KY, accessing hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and convenient. These widespread facilities ensure quick and hassle-free testing experiences. Whether in the heart of the city or in surrounding areas, easy access to testing centers facilitates seamless drug testing for individuals and companies alike.
In Prestonsburg, KY, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined to protect privacy while offering ease of use. This guarantees that individuals and employers can engage in testing without concerns about confidentiality, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times characterize hair follicle testing in Prestonsburg, KY. Companies can benefit from affordable rates and receive results quickly, delivering exceptional value. This combination of cost-efficiency and rapid service gives businesses a practical and reliable option for maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
In Prestonsburg, KY, there's no need to wait long to know the results of a hair follicle drug test. This testing method provides rapid, precise outcomes, helping employers quickly and accurately determine if an employee or applicant has engaged in drug use. With high detection accuracy, businesses can rely on hair drug tests to make informed and swift decisions about hiring and workplace policies.
In Prestonsburg, KY, utilizing hair follicle testing bolsters employers' compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates the risk of legal issues and enhances workplace safety, thus providing employers with peace of mind. By ensuring that employees adhere to these policies, businesses create safer environments while simultaneously reducing potential legal liabilities.
