Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as a strong means to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair provides an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to collect hair, challenging to tamper with it, and straightforward to dispatch.
A hair segment of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional markers, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair might be utilized. Head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where the sample is entered into the laboratory’s system. This entails ensuring the sample was sealed and transmitted correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage across most samples, any positive result must be confirmed to be valid in judicial proceedings. Presumptive positives from Screening indeed demand a confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumably positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from the hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), underlining hair testing as the hardest methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, samples indicated as presumptive positive are washed as required. The laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior to Urine Testing in South Park View, KY. In comparison to urine tests, hair follicle testing offers better accuracy and reliability. Detecting a wider range of substances and higher sensitivity to long-term drug use, the superior detection capacity is evident. Employers in South Park View can benefit from the enhanced precision and scope of hair follicle drug tests.
Extended Detection Window in South Park View, KY. With the capability to trace drug usage over 90 days, hair follicle testing enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use habits. This long-term detection provides a clear and comprehensive picture of an applicant's or employee's history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Park View, KY. Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, delivering consistent and trustworthy results. Its remarkable resistance to manipulation ensures the authenticity and integrity of findings, making it a dependable choice for sensitive drug testing needs.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in South Park View, KY. Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation ensures fast and convenient access to drug testing services. Whether local or nationwide, individuals can experience a smooth, hassle-free testing process with ease in South Park View.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Park View, KY. Our straightforward procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving results maintains user privacy throughout. The process is easy to navigate, addressing confidentiality concerns while delivering results efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Park View, KY. We emphasize competitive pricing along with quick result processing, offering excellent value and peace of mind across businesses. Our pricing structures are designed to accommodate various company sizes without compromising speed or reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Park View, KY. Hair follicle drug tests ensure swift, precise outcomes, boasting a high accuracy level in detecting various substances. The efficiency in processing and delivery of results provides individuals and employers with the speed and confidence needed for timely decision making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Park View, KY. Utilizing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free policies at workplaces, minimizing legal liabilities while enhancing overall safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that the testing method strongly supports policy enforcement and workplace security.
