Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair gives an extended overview of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample's details are first entered into the lab system. This involves confirming the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary follow-up documentation that an electronic chain of custody system might miss.
Screening offers an initial, swift drug abuse check. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug use possibilities for most samples, a positive result must be validated for legal purposes. Any sample low positivity in Screening requires further confirmation.
Samples deemed potentially positive in the Screening phase have additional hair extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair testing the most complex method to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing potential positivity are cleaned before Confirmation as required. Throughout the entire Accessioning to Confirmation procedure, the process is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly called “hair follicle tests,†the analysis actually targets the hair strand and not the scalp's underlying hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Thrives Over Urine Testing in Raccoon, KY, is a matter of enhanced precision. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy and reliability when compared to traditional urine samples. With hair testing, the evidence is long-lasting and hard to dispute, ensuring employers and regulatory bodies have a stronger, more consistent insight into substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Raccoon, KY, is an unmatched feature of hair follicle testing. Its ability to trace drug use over a span of up to 90 days provides employers with an in-depth view of an individual’s potential substance use, far surpassing other methods by offering a comprehensive history of habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Raccoon, KY, enhances the integrity of drug testing. Hair follicle tests substantially reduce the chance of sample contamination or manipulation, thereby offering unquestionable results that stand the test of scrutiny and reinforce trust in the testing procedure itself.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations along with local spots in Raccoon, KY, streamline the testing process. Our widespread centers guarantee quick and hassle-free access, providing efficient solutions that suit the needs of businesses and individuals alike, ensuring tests are accessible when needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Raccoon, KY, redefines how individuals manage testing. This clear approach respects privacy while making it easier to order, take, and receive results. Emphasizing user-friendliness and confidentiality ensures that privacy concerns are duly addressed while maintaining ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Raccoon, KY, highlight the value proposition of hair follicle tests. With competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, businesses of all sizes can enjoy cost-effective solutions that offer peace of mind while staying within budget constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Outcomes are pivotal in Raccoon, KY. Hair follicle drug testing offers not only remarkable precision but also agile processing times. This method ensures that assessments are conducted with high accuracy, effectively capturing patterns of substance use with a swiftness that’s rare in other forms of testing.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Raccoon, KY, hair follicle testing helps maintain rigorous adherence to drug-free policies. This approach not only mitigates legal risks but also fosters a safer, more productive workplace environment, giving employers confidence and security.