Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a long-term record of substance use over time. When hair is taken from close to the scalp, it can reflect drug and alcohol use over roughly a 3-month period. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the volume of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For testing such as EtG, additional add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be substituted. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (like facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that show potential indications of drugs during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than seen in methods like urine or oral fluid, which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening operations.
Confirmation of any screening-positive results is performed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", this examination evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Slaughters, KY, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests for its superior detection reliability. Hair tests offer unparalleled accuracy, uncovering a wider spectrum of substance use over time. Unlike urine tests, which provide a limited snapshot, hair follicle tests provide comprehensive data, making them an essential tool for drug detection.
Hair follicle testing in Slaughters, KY, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers a broad view of an employee's substance use history. This extended timeline surpasses traditional methods, allowing for a thorough assessment of behaviors over a significant period, thereby aiding in making informed decisions.
One of the major advantages of hair follicle testing in Slaughters, KY, is its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering and provides results that are difficult to dispute, ensuring that the integrity of the testing process is maintained at all times.
With numerous testing centers nationwide and locally in Slaughters, KY, convenience is assured. Individuals and companies benefit from easy access to hassle-free testing services that are both quick and efficient, facilitating seamless compliance with necessary regulations without the burden of logistics.
In Slaughters, KY, the process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. This simplicity ensures that privacy concerns are alleviated, providing a seamless and stress-free experience for all involved.
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Slaughters, KY, ensures value without compromising quality. Coupled with fast turnaround times, this makes hair testing an attractive option for businesses of all sizes, providing not just results but peace of mind in a cost-effective manner.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests set them apart in Slaughters, KY. These methods are noted for their high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring that results are trusted. With advanced technology, hair follicle tests deliver quick and reliable outcomes that bolster confidence in their findings.
For employers in Slaughters, KY, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, as it adheres to stringent standards that reassure employers of a drug-free environment.
