Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is now recognized as an effective means to detect the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains biomarkers within its strands, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and drug utilization. By gathering hair close to the scalp, it grants a detection period extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.
To acquire the optimal 100mg sample for evaluation, a 1.5-inch portion comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp is necessary. For testing EtG, supplemental panels, or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair may be gathered. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result entails four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of the sample within a lab’s system. This process involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening serves as an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result here requires further confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with presumed positives from Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If screening results suggest positivity, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drug extraction occurs at a lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), adding complexity to hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive screening outcome is performed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumed positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if deemed necessary. The comprehensive lab process is evaluated against both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In South Fork, KY, choosing hair follicle testing over urine tests offers numerous benefits, especially in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing can detect drug use for a significantly longer period, providing a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history.
While urine tests may only reveal recent drug use, hair tests can illustrate patterns over time, making them a superior choice for long-term assessment.
Extended Detection Window: Employers in South Fork, KY value the ability of hair follicle tests to track substance use over extended periods. With a detection window reaching up to 90 days, these tests are effective in delivering detailed insight into a person's drug history.
This expansive detection capability provides companies with vital information for making informed decisions regarding potential employees or monitoring existing staff effectively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In South Fork, KY, using hair follicle testing reduces the likelihood of sample tampering, offering reliable and undeniable findings. The method mitigates risks associated with adulteration that are more common in other testing formats.
The process is supervised and well-regulated, ensuring the authenticity of the sample and the certainty of results, making it a robust choice in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Our centers stretch across all regions, including South Fork, KY, providing effortless access to testing services wherever needed.
Convenience is key, and with numerous testing stations nationwide, clients are guaranteed straightforward and efficient testing experiences, minimizing delays and inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process: The process for obtaining and completing a hair follicle test in South Fork, KY is both straightforward and private. From placing an order to receiving results, every step is designed to ensure confidentiality and ease.
This well-structured approach retains the integrity of each test, while reassuring clients that their privacy is respected throughout the examination process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: In South Fork, KY, hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing while ensuring quick result delivery, making them an attractive option for businesses of varying sizes.
Affordability combined with fast turnaround times ensures that companies receive excellent value and immediate answers, aiding in swift and informed decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In South Fork, KY, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swift processing times. These tests are unparalleled in their ability to detect even the smallest trace of substance use, ensuring consistent and dependable results every time.
The method not only offers rapid results but also maintains a high level of accuracy that sets it apart from other testing methods. With current technology, hair tests provide clarity and reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Businesses in South Fork, KY find that hair follicle testing aligns with their drug-free workplace policies, enhancing legal compliance and reducing potential liabilities.
This method of testing supports the creation of a safer work environment, enabling employers to confidently maintain substance-free workplaces, leading to increased trust and productivity among staff.
