Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair encapsulates a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair's growing fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This process involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial quick examination for drugs of misuse. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than with other methodologies (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation in line with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to urine testing, hair follicle testing in Shiloh, KY stands out for its superior accuracy and detection capabilities. The extended period over which hair tests can identify substances offers substantial advantages, making it the preferred option for many employers and professionals.
Urine tests, while useful, don't match the reliability of hair tests in capturing a more comprehensive record of drug use, making hair follicle testing indispensable for thorough screenings.
In Shiloh, KY, the advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, it offers employers a broad understanding of an individual's substance history, crucial for informed hiring decisions.
This longer detection span provides unmatched insights into habitual usage patterns, crucial for compliance with zero-tolerance policies and ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Shiloh, KY offers a tamper-resistant method that minimizes the risk of adulteration. This testing technique ensures that results remain credible and trustworthy, alleviating concerns about incorrect results due to interference.
Employers and organizations can have peace of mind knowing that hair testing provides a reliable way to confirm substance use, maintaining integrity and accountability throughout the process.
With a network of testing facilities nationwide, including convenient locations in Shiloh, KY, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and efficient. This broad reach ensures seamless, hassle-free testing experiences for individuals and companies alike.
The ease of having testing centers within reach reduces downtime and ensures that the process integrates smoothly into daily life or business operations, enhancing user experience.
Simplicity and confidentiality are at the core of the hair follicle testing process in Shiloh, KY. Ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results are structured to ensure privacy and ease, addressing any concerns about data protection.
This user-friendly approach means that individuals can participate without worry, and organizations can implement testing procedures smoothly, knowing that personal data is safeguarded.
In Shiloh, KY, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our cost-effective solutions provide significant value, ensuring businesses of all sizes can benefit from premium testing services without breaking the bank.
Speedy processing of test results, coupled with affordable rates, ensures that employers can maintain staff productivity while keeping expenditures in check.
In Shiloh, KY, obtaining fast, accurate, and reliable results from hair follicle testing is paramount. Its precision in identifying substance use is unmatched by other methods, ensuring clarity and confidence in results for both individuals and organizations.
With hair testing, the combination of advanced technology and meticulous processes delivers quick and trustworthy insights, vital for informed decision-making regarding substance use.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Shiloh, KY enhances compliance with workplace drug policies, offering peace of mind to employers. By adopting this method, businesses can significantly cut down on legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace.
The reassurance that employees are adhering to a drug-free environment not only boosts internal safety but also reflects a commitment to health and productivity, benefiting everyone involved.