Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal specimen for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing over 10 panels, 150mg of the hair should be used. It is advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be available, a comparable amount of body hair might be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four key steps are involved in the lab processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This step checks that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid analysis for substance abuse. Though Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally admissible. Samples testing positive in Screening require secondary verification.
In cases where a sample tests positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the collected specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is particularly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards accredited by ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Robards, KY? The benefits are clear.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests capture a broader view of drug use, with a detection window that extends significantly further back. This makes them a preferred choice for accuracy and reliability in identifying long-term substance use, giving employers an edge in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle tests present a distinct advantage through their extended detection window, which can reveal drug use up to 90 days back. In Robards, KY, this offers employers a comprehensive substance history of applicants or employees, providing a more complete picture of potential behaviors. It's a crucial tool for maintaining workplace integrity, positioning companies ahead in their hiring and management processes.
Using hair follicle tests significantly limits the risk of sample tampering in Robards, KY.
These tests are designed to be tamper-resistant, ensuring that test results are trustworthy and unalterable. This level of security bolsters confidence in the testing process, ensuring that employers can rely on the outcomes to be both authentic and definitive.
Robards, KY, benefits from a wide network of testing centers, offering convenient access to hair follicle drug testing services.
Nationwide locations are available, making it easy for individuals and businesses to schedule tests without hassle, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.
Our hair follicle testing process in Robards, KY is both simple and confidential.
Easy steps guide you from ordering to receiving your results, all while ensuring privacy. This streamlined method addresses concerns efficiently, promising confidentiality every step of the way.
With competitive pricing and rapid result processing, testing in Robards, KY offers excellent value. Companies, regardless of size, benefit from affordable solutions coupled with fast turnaround times. This ensures peace of mind and fosters a proactive approach to drug safety in the workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Robards, KY, is renowned for its speed and precision. Results are obtained quickly, offering a high level of accuracy in identifying drug substances. This method ensures a more reliable examination as compared to others.
Its dependability stands out in delivering precise substance detection that caters to the needs of both individuals and companies.
In Robards, KY, hair follicle testing plays a crucial role in ensuring workplace compliance.
Employers benefit from reduced legal risks as this method reinforces adherence to drug-free policies. By promoting a safer work environment, it enables businesses to focus on productive goals while staying aligned with legal and ethical standards.
