Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record for alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers as the hair strand develops. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or in cases involving more than 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step that processes a sample into a lab’s system. This step comprises checking that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry that is not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial fast check for drugs. Screening offers a cost-effective way to eliminate potential drug use in most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that are likely positive in the Screening phase must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows probable positivity in the Screening, more hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stephensburg, KY
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several key areas. With a longer detection window, it identifies drug use over time, offering superior insights into an individual's substance habits. This test's accuracy and reliability make it a favored choice over urine tests, providing a comprehensive detection strategy.
Employers in Stephensburg benefit from hair testing’s robustness, achieving higher confidence in drug policies. The challenges of urine tests, such as shorter detection periods and potential tampering, are mitigated by the thoroughness of hair testing. For reliable results, hair tests are unbeatable.
Extended Detection Window in Stephensburg, KY
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window, revealing substance use for up to 90 days. This provides employers with valuable, in-depth insights into an individual’s drug use history, assisting in thorough evaluations during hiring and monitoring processes.
Unlike traditional methods, hair testing covers a comprehensive timeline, making it indispensable for employers in Stephensburg. It allows for informed decision-making, ensuring a deeper understanding of an applicant's or employee’s substance habits. This extended detection capability is a substantial advantage over shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stephensburg, KY
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the threat of sample adulteration, offering reliable, tamper-proof results. This testing method ensures accuracy and integrity, providing Stephensburg employers with unwavering confidence in the authenticity of test outcomes.
Adulteration challenges associated with other testing methods are effectively bypassed with hair tests. This resilient approach offers employers solid proof of substance use, supporting stringent drug-free workplace policies with unquestionable results, thereby strengthening overall testing integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stephensburg, KY
With our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, Stephensburg residents access hair follicle tests easily and conveniently. Local centers provide hassle-free and prompt services, ensuring testing needs are met efficiently and professionally.
The convenience of local and national centers ensures that residents of Stephensburg receive seamless testing experiences. With quick access to hair testing services, employees and employers benefit from reliable, straightforward solutions for their drug testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stephensburg, KY
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private, ensuring that Stephensburg residents experience ease and confidentiality from ordering to results receipt. This method addresses privacy concerns effectively, guaranteeing that personal data remains secure.
Our process prioritizes confidentiality and simplicity, ensuring user-friendly experiences for individuals and employers alike. With straightforward steps and secure data handling, Stephensburg residents have access to a reliable drug testing solution that respects their privacy rights.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stephensburg, KY
Economical pricing and swift result turnaround define our hair follicle testing services. Stephensburg companies of all sizes benefit from competitive pricing structures, receiving excellent value while ensuring reliable substance detection.
Quick turnaround times amplify the value of our services in Stephensburg, providing fast results without compromising accuracy. Our affordable solutions align with various business needs, offering an optimal balance of cost-effectiveness and robust substance testing, meeting diverse company requirements.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stephensburg, KY
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests set a high standard for substance detection. Their remarkable accuracy ensures reliable results, uncovering substance use with impressive efficiency. With these tests, Stephensburg residents benefit from a dependable method to detect drug use quickly and precisely.
Employers and individuals in Stephensburg can trust hair follicle tests to deliver accurate outcomes. Their ability to detect a wide range of substances ensures thorough substance use insights. For those seeking rapid and precise detection, this method provides peace of mind, setting a benchmark in drug testing accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stephensburg, KY
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By offering accurate and comprehensive results, it enhances workplace safety, reduces legal risks, and empowers employers in Stephensburg to maintain strict substance regulation.
Employers benefit from the assurance that hair testing brings, ensuring peace of mind with thorough substance detection and clear, actionable insights. This method aligns with stringent compliance requirements, reinforcing a secure and hazard-free work environment.
