Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands offer a long-range record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage for up to three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, it's relatively hard to tamper with, and the samples are easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair—the approximate thickness of a #2 pencil—positioned closest to the scalp yields about 100mg, which is considered the best sample size for thorough testing and substantiation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. Accurate specimen weight should be measured using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, equivalent quantities of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair refers to any other hair type such as facial or armpit hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test process comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially entered into the laboratory system. This involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment to detect drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for negating drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumably positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid tests, which is why hair drug screening requires greater effort to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, as needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rosewood, KY: Hair follicle tests offer extensive advantages over urine tests. With a longer detection span, these tests provide a thorough assessment of drug use history, establishing them as a more effective measure compared to traditional urine tests.
Employers relying on hair testing experience greater accuracy due to the advanced detection methods that set it apart from standard urine testing protocols.
Extended Detection Window in Rosewood, KY: Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period. Covering up to 90 days, this method offers employers a detailed overview of an individual's substance history.
Employers benefit from this comprehensive timeline, gaining deeper insights into the long-term patterns of substance use among applicants or employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rosewood, KY: Hair follicle tests are engineered to minimize the risk of sample adulteration. Their robust design ensures that results are trustworthy and devoid of manipulation, giving stakeholders confidence in the accuracy of the outcomes.
This tamper-resistant nature of hair tests positions them as a reliable choice for those needing dependable drug testing solutions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rosewood, KY: Our network of nationwide testing centers ensures that testing services are accessible and convenient. Clients find it easy to locate facilities, making the process of obtaining crucial drug test results straightforward and hassle-free.
With locations dispersed across regions, accessing testing services is both quick and efficient for all users.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rosewood, KY: The process of ordering, executing, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be both simple and confidential. Users can confidently engage in the testing process, knowing their privacy is prioritized.
Concerns over privacy and complexity are alleviated through streamlined procedures, ensuring ease of use for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rosewood, KY: Hair follicle drug testing is offered at competitive rates with swift turnaround times. Companies benefit from excellent value, receiving results quickly without compromising on quality or budget considerations.
Our services provide peace of mind, catering to businesses of varying sizes by delivering rapid and cost-effective testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rosewood, KY: Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional accuracy in determining drug use. Their ability to quickly deliver precise results makes them an ideal choice for those needing timely and dependable evaluations.
The precision of hair follicle tests ensures that substance use is detected correctly, allowing stakeholders to make well-informed decisions based on trustworthy data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rosewood, KY: Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies. The assured compliance with legal standards reduces risks and promotes a safer work environment.
Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are fostering a secure and lawful workplace atmosphere through reliable testing methodologies.
