Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is acclaimed as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month window of detection for substances such as alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and conveniently transportable.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) and taken nearest the scalp, delivers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of drug testing involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial entry of a sample into the laboratory system. This step ensures the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is utilized from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory process covering Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing, hair follicle tests outperform urine tests in Providence, KY. They offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, making them a preferred choice for employers, courts, and professionals who demand the most thorough assessments.
For employers in Providence, KY looking for a broad perspective on an individual's substance history, hair follicle testing is ideal. It captures drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering a detailed overview of past drug involvement.
In Providence, KY, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant method of substance testing. This ensures that sample adulteration risks are minimized, yielding trustworthy and clear results that stand up in workplace and legal settings.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including local options in Providence, KY, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward and stress-free. Fast and easy access to these services ensures timely and efficient testing processes.
The process of requesting, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Providence, KY is simple and discreet. Ensuring privacy at every step, it effectively addresses any concerns about confidentiality and usability.
For businesses in Providence, KY, competitive pricing and swift result delivery of hair follicle testing provide exceptional value. This combination ensures that companies benefit from both economic and prompt service.
In Providence, KY, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, offering highly accurate detection of substance use. By capturing long-term drug use data, these tests provide reliable insights that are invaluable for employers and individuals seeking clarity.
Employers in Providence, KY find peace of mind using hair follicle tests, as they effortlessly align with drug-free workplace policies. This compliance reduces legal risks and strengthens overall workplace safety.
