Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of a hair strand as it grows, hair offers a prolonged history of substance use. When collected close to the scalp, it can indicate the presence of alcohol and drugs up to about a 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When we talk about head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for evaluating a drug test outcome comprises four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
The Screening step involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides an economical way to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, any positive results require confirmation to be admissible in court. All samples that are presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening presents significant challenges.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its enhanced accuracy and reliability. In Springfield, KY, this method provides superior detection capabilities, making it an ideal choice for employers.
Compared with urine testing, hair follicle tests provide a broader detection window and minimize the chance of evasion, plus they offer more consistent results over time.
Choosing hair follicle testing over urine tests means benefiting from greater detection reliability and comprehensive assessment capabilities.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests catches drug use over a span of up to 90 days. In Springfield, KY, this method grants employers a broad insight into substance use history.
Allowing a more thorough overview, hair follicle testing extends its analysis capability beyond other methods, significantly benefiting long-term evaluations.
Employers receive a comprehensive background of an individual's drug history, ensuring informed decision-making based on extended detection.
In Springfield, KY, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution, minimizing the potential for sample adulteration.
Providing unquestionable results, hair follicle testing stands apart due to its inherent resistance to manipulation, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.
This method reduces doubts about sample validity, offering reliable assessments and maintaining high levels of confidence in test results.
Accredited Drug Testing's network offers convenient nationwide and local facilities in Springfield, KY, making accessing testing services swift and hassle-free.
These strategically placed locations ensure that individuals can easily obtain necessary tests without the inconvenience of lengthy travel or waits.
Our widespread testing centers support quick service access, streamlining the testing process for immediate needs.
In Springfield, KY, our hair follicle testing services promise a straightforward and confidential process, ensuring comfort and privacy at every step.
The entire process, from ordering to results, is designed for ease of use, ensuring that privacy concerns are seamlessly addressed.
Guaranteeing a confidential and user-friendly experience, this testing option appeals to those valuing simplicity and discretion.
With competitive pricing structures and swift result delivery, our hair follicle tests provide excellent value for businesses throughout Springfield, KY.
Affordable and efficient, this service offers high value for money and a promise of rapid testing results, ideal for companies of differing sizes and needs.
The quick turnaround and reasonable pricing of hair follicle testing maintain an attractive proposition for those seeking economic and rapid testing solutions.
In Springfield, KY, hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision. Offering fast, accurate results, this testing method is highly efficient at detecting a range of substances, ensuring timely and dependable outcomes.
The capacity to provide rapid and precise results makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for those seeking reliable drug use detection.
By focusing on quick and precise outcomes, hair follicle tests guarantee high levels of accuracy, useful in various contexts.
Employers in Springfield, KY benefit from using hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies.
Ensuring adherence to legal standards, this testing method helps in reducing legal vulnerabilities while enhancing workplace safety and employee welfare.
With a focus on compliance, hair follicle testing helps employers attain peace of mind, supporting their drug-free workplace requirements effectively.
