Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When sampled from near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over an approximate three-month span. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg, the standard quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not an option, equivalent body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The four core phases in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase of entering a sample into a laboratory system, which involves verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and performing additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. It serves as a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage in most samples, though a positive screen must be validated to be considered legally defensible. Presumptively positive samples during Screening require subsequent verification.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the more complex methodologies.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of Hair Drug Testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rich Pond, KY
Hair testing offers heightened accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. In Rich Pond, KY, this method is preferred for its extended detection capabilities, capturing substance use over months rather than days. Employers and legal entities favor hair tests to gain a comprehensive view, minimizing the risk of false negatives and enhancing decision-making.
Extended Detection Window in Rich Pond, KY
The capability of hair follicle testing to reflect drug use history up to 90 days is unmatched, offering employers in Rich Pond, KY a detailed account of an individual's substance use. This prolonged detection period surpasses that of urine tests, making hair testing an ideal choice for those seeking a thorough review of an applicant or employee's drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rich Pond, KY
Hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method that considerably reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration. In Rich Pond, KY, this reliability ensures unquestionable results, giving both employers and individuals confidence in the test's authenticity and accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rich Pond, KY
With an extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including facilities in Rich Pond, KY, getting a hair follicle test is both convenient and efficient. Our nationwide presence guarantees quick access, minimizing travel and time-related barriers to complete necessary drug screenings.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rich Pond, KY
Our straightforward procedure for ordering, administrating, and receiving hair drug test results ensures privacy and ease of use. In Rich Pond, KY, individuals benefit from a process that respects confidentiality, providing reassurance and convenience throughout their testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rich Pond, KY
Known for competitive pricing and swift result delivery, our hair follicle testing offers significant value. Businesses of all sizes in Rich Pond, KY appreciate our budget-friendly options, fast turnaround, and the peace of mind provided by quick, accurate results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rich Pond, KY
Hair follicle drug tests provide precision and speed, delivering results that are both fast and incredibly accurate. This method effectively detects substance use, ensuring that employers and agencies in Rich Pond, KY can rely on the results for critical decisions. The efficiency of this process provides timely data, crucial for maintaining safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rich Pond, KY
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal risks. In Rich Pond, KY, employers who utilize this method not only comply with regulations but also enhance workplace safety, fostering an environment of trust and security.