Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of almost 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. For head hair, we specify scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This stage ensures the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and fulfills any extra data input absent in an electronic chain of custody arrangement.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug consumption for most samples, a positive outcome necessitates verification for legal viability. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary specimen for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are derived from hair at a notably lower concentration than seen in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing a notably challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Smithland, KY, hair follicle testing has the edge over urine testing. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can only detect recent use, hair tests report a longer history, making them ideal for employers and others seeking thorough assessments.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Smithland, KY, offers a comprehensive view of substance use up to 90 days. This long detection period is vital for employers needing a clear picture of an individual's drug history.
With hair follicle testing in Smithland, KY, the risk of sample tampering is highly minimized. This test is reliable, providing results that are trustworthy and difficult to manipulate, ensuring authentic substance use assessment.
Across Smithland, KY, and nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations. These centers ensure quick and hassle-free testing services, simplifying access to drug testing needs.
In Smithland, KY, we've ensured a simple and confidential process for conducting hair follicle tests. From ordering to results, every step respects privacy and user ease, addressing concerns about confidentiality.
Smithland, KY, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Businesses of all sizes find excellent value and assurance with our competitive pricing and rapid results.
In Smithland, KY, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests in detecting substance use is unmatched, offering quick outcomes that are dependable and informative.
Employers in Smithland, KY, gain peace of mind through compliance with drug-free policies using hair follicle testing. These tests reduce legal liabilities and bolster workplace safety, cementing a secure working environment.
