Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair follicle testing is recognized as an essential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record-keeper, capturing biochemical markers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When cut near the skin, hair can reveal an up to three-month timeline for alcohol and drug usage. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch cut of approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the head yields 100mg of hair, the required amount for both screening and validation analyses. For tests involving EtG, additional parameters, or more than 10 drug panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically implies scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types such as facial, underarm, etc.
Procedure Summary
The main phases in processing a laboratory drug test result are Registration, Testing, Drug Retrieval, and Verification.
Registration refers to introducing the sample into the lab’s database system. This process ensures the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, applies a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any missing data entries not covered by electronic chain of custody applications.
Testing involves a preliminary screening for drug substances. While Testing is an economical means to dismiss drug presence for most samples, any positive result needs confirmation for legal defensibility. Samples showing an initial positive in Testing must undergo further verification.
Should a sample exhibit a potential positive in the Testing phase, additional hair is extracted from the original batch for Drug Retrieval. In this phase, compounds are isolated from the hair at a lesser concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples indicated as positive are cleaned before final verification as necessary. The entire lab sequence from Registration to Verification is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accrediting criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Talbert, KY
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy, uncovering substance use that urine tests might miss. The reliability of hair testing ensures a clearer, more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history, making it a preferable option for accurate assessments in the community.
Extended Detection Window in Talbert, KY
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests, reaching up to 90 days, offers employers an extensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug history. This broad timeframe allows for detailed evaluations of drug use, ensuring a robust and informed decision-making process when assessing substance use histories in Talbert, KY.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Talbert, KY
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample tampering. Their design ensures the integrity of the sample, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This level of security is crucial for maintaining trust in the testing process and ensures the results accurately reflect genuine substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Talbert, KY
The availability of numerous testing centers nationwide, including those in Talbert, KY, offers unmatched convenience for individuals and organizations seeking reliable testing services. This accessibility ensures that drug testing can be conducted efficiently and conveniently, eliminating the hassle and wait associated with other methods.
Simple, Confidential Process in Talbert, KY
The process for initiating and completing hair follicle testing in Talbert, KY, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed with privacy in mind, ensuring ease of use while protecting personal information, thus addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Talbert, KY
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times set us apart in Talbert, KY. By offering exceptional value, we ensure that businesses of all sizes can access high-quality hair follicle testing services without incurring significant expenses, making it a cost-effective choice for drug testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Talbert, KY
Hair follicle drug tests in Talbert, KY, stand out for their swiftness and accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests provide highly precise outcomes, ensuring you receive trustworthy results promptly. The combination of speed and precision makes hair testing a preferred choice for those seeking reliable drug detection methods in the area.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Talbert, KY
Employers in Talbert, KY, can benefit greatly from the assurance that hair follicle testing provides for maintaining a drug-free workplace. This testing method helps align with compliance requirements and minimizes legal liabilities. It is a proactive approach to enhancing workplace safety and fostering a healthier work environment.
