Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are increasingly recognized for their efficacy in detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term markers of alcohol and drug use within the strands of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reflect usage of alcohol and other substances over a period of up to three months. It's straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides the optimal 100mg sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a collection of 150mg is ideal. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advised. Should scalp hair not be present, a comparable volume of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the laboratory drug testing procedure include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of the sample into the lab’s systems. This encompasses verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry absent from an electronic custody chain.
Screening initiates a rapid assessment for illicit drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to exclude drug presence in most samples, any positive screen mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive results from Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to methods such as urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug testing highly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is executed via techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing in Symsonia, KY by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests detect a broader range of substances.
With hair testing, the risk of false negatives is minimized, providing employers with a more dependable drug screening option. This method supports strict drug policies better than traditional urine tests, ensuring thorough screening results.
In Symsonia, KY, hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window, revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive timeline helps employers assess candidates' or employees' long-term substance use behavior.
This extended detection period allows for a thorough review of an individual's drug history, aiding employers in making well-informed decisions regarding potential hires or ongoing employment.
Symsonia, KY benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing, which greatly reduces the risk of altering test results. The robustness of hair samples makes them difficult to adulterate.
Employers trust hair follicle tests for their ability to provide credible, tamper-proof outcomes, ensuring the integrity of drug testing measures and maintaining organizational standards.
Symsonia, KY and beyond benefit from convenient testing locations. Our extensive network ensures easy access to hair follicle drug testing, simplifying the process for individuals and businesses alike.
Nationwide centers make it simple to schedule and access tests, reducing stress and expediting the testing procedure for efficient service delivery.
In Symsonia, KY, hair follicle testing features a straightforward and confidential process, from ordering to receiving results. This approach prioritizes privacy and ease for the user.
The simplicity of the process ensures individuals can manage their tests discreetly and securely, ensuring confidence in the confidentiality of their drug testing journey.
Competitive pricing in Symsonia, KY ensures hair follicle testing remains an affordable choice for businesses of all sizes. Quick turnaround times enhance this value further.
Companies enjoy cost-effective solutions with fast results, allowing them to maintain workplace safety without straining budgets, making hair testing a practical option.
In Symsonia, KY, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched accuracy and speed in detecting substance use. The high precision of these tests ensures reliable results, making them ideal for those needing fast and dependable testing solutions.
Employers and individuals can trust the rapid results hair follicle testing provides, thanks to advanced analysis technologies used in this method. The accuracy and quick turnaround make these tests highly effective.
Employers in Symsonia, KY find compliance with drug-free policies straightforward with hair follicle testing. This method mitigates legal risks, fostering a safer work environment.
With hair testing, companies ensure adherence to workplace regulations, promoting peace of mind and reducing the potential for drug-related incidents at work.
