Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Settle, KY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows, it provides a historical record of substance use over time. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can potentially reveal alcohol and drug usage over a period of about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or when conducting over 10-panel tests, it’s advised to use 150mg of the sample. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used instead. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The procedure for processing a drug test result in a laboratory comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step of entering a sample into the laboratory system. This stage ensures the sample is properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes necessary data entry that electronic chain of custody systems haven’t covered.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although streamlined and cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen still necessitates confirmation to be viable for legal matters. Any samples testing positive in this stage must undergo further confirmation.

If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs in hair undergo extraction at concentrations much lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is considered among the harder methodologies to execute.

For confirming positive screening outcomes, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Presumptively positive samples are washed when needed before confirmation. The lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use up to 90 days, while urine tests offer a more limited timeframe.
• Resistance to tampering: The complexity of manipulating hair drug tests enhances the reliability of the results.
• Tracks past usage: It captures a timeline of drug use covering an extensive period instead of just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Delayed detection of recent use: Drugs typically become recognizable in hair after a delay of 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing incurs higher costs than alternative drug testing methods.
• Variable outcomes: Individual differences like hair color and growth rate can influence the concentration levels of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Settle, KY, hair follicle testing is preferred over urine testing for drug detection.

• Enhanced Detection: Hair tests offer superior accuracy and reliability, detecting drug use more effectively than urine tests.
• Longer Window: They accurately find drugs taken up to 90 days prior, offering a more comprehensive history.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing is a valuable option in Settle, KY due to its Extended Detection Window. Unlike shorter-term tests, hair tests can trace drug use up to 90 days back. This extensive period offers employers insights into long-term practices, supporting more informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Settle, KY, hair follicle testing is a crucial Tamper-Resistant Testing Method that minimizes the chance of sample tampering. By reducing adulteration risks, this approach delivers trustworthy results, ensuring reliability and preventing attempts to mislead tests.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering Convenient Testing Locations, services in Settle, KY ensure easy access to hair follicle tests nationwide.
Our network of centers means testing is quick, straightforward, and convenient, eliminating the stress of seeking reliable testing facilities.

Simple, Confidential Process

The Simple, Confidential Process in Settle, KY for hair follicle tests ensures privacy and ease.

• Simplicity: Ordering, taking, and receiving results made straightforward.
• Confidentiality: Guarantees user privacy at each step.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our services in Settle, KY offer Affordable Pricing and rapid results, making hair follicle testing accessible for companies of all sizes.

• Competitive Rates: Provide excellent value.
• Quick Turnaround: Ensures timely feedback.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Settle, KY, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, precise, and consistent results. Precision is critical, and these tests successfully identify substance use with high accuracy. Their speed and reliability make them superior to traditional methods, ensuring that tests are trustworthy and efficient.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Settle, KY find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring Compliance with workplace drug policies.

• Legal Protection: Reduces legal risks.
• Safety: Promotes a drug-free environment.

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