Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, comparatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 strands of hair (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be obtained. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for handling a drug test outcome involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary handling of a sample within a lab's framework. This step involves confirming that the sample is correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not available in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid check for drug abuse. While it is a budget-friendly means to dismiss drug use for the majority of samples, a positive result from Screening must be validated for legal use. Any Screening positive samples require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are withdrawn from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results during Screening is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All screening-positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation follows both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in Stamping Ground, KY due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Employers benefit from hair tests due to their extensive substance history range, which encompasses extended periods compared to urine tests.
Hair testing eliminates the guesswork, offering definitive evidence of drug use, while urine tests are more limited temporally.
At our Stamping Ground, KY testing facilities, hair follicle analysis provides a window of detection that extends up to 90 days.
This method offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use history, ensuring informed decisions during hiring or ongoing assessments. Urine tests, in contrast, look back only briefly, missing the broader picture that hair testing paints.
Ensuring sample integrity is crucial in drug testing, and hair follicle tests in Stamping Ground, KY excel at minimizing the risks of tampering.
This method offers robust reliability, as it is challenging to manipulate or adulterate samples. Trust in hair follicle testing protects the test's credibility, providing results that stakeholders can confidently rely upon for accurate evaluations.
Convenience is a hallmark of our Stamping Ground, KY service, with access to nationwide testing centers ensuring easy reach for all.
These locations offer a seamless testing experience, unhindered by logistical barriers, and provide quick and hassle-free sample submission and processing for all clients, large or small.
In Stamping Ground, KY, our hair follicle testing process is both discreet and straightforward.
From ordering to obtaining results, every step is handled with the utmost confidentiality, addressing all privacy concerns effectively. The simplified approach ensures client ease and satisfaction without compromising the integrity of the results.
Our competitive pricing in Stamping Ground, KY, paired with fast service delivery, provides unmatched value for businesses.
With a commitment to affordability, companies can access top-tier drug testing without stretching their budgets. Fast turnaround times enhance this offering by providing swift, reliable results to meet tight deadlines and operational demands.
In Stamping Ground, KY, hair follicle drug tests are esteemed for their swiftness and precision. The method is acclaimed for delivering results that precisely detect substance use over an extended period.
Its accuracy surpasses traditional methods, providing reliable insights for employers and individuals alike. The rapid turnaround delivers peace of mind, ensuring timely decisions are achievable based on dependable data.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Stamping Ground, KY fosters a drug-free workplace environment, aligning with compliance needs and promoting strategic risk management.
Its precision aids companies in enforcing drug policies with confidence, thereby reducing legal exposures while bolstering a culture of safety and accountability.
