Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a long-term history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair are specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial processing within the laboratory’s system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage from most samples, positive findings require confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening remains one of the most challenging methodologies to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ulysses, KY
When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine analysis, the former is notably superior in detection precision and reliability. With a longer detection window and a sustainable method less prone to tampering, hair testing offers a clearer and more extensive picture of substance use history, outperforming urine testing in longevity and thoroughness.
Extended Detection Window in Ulysses, KY
Hair follicle testing is distinguished by its ability to trace drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This thorough approach provides employers with a detailed understanding of an individual's substance use history, ensuring they have a substantial perspective when evaluating potential or current employees in Ulysses, KY.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ulysses, KY
The reliability of hair follicle tests is significantly enhanced due to their resistance to tampering. Compared to more easily altered samples, these tests deliver results that are globally accepted as accurate and credible, providing firms and authorities in Ulysses, KY, with indisputable evidence of compliance or drug use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ulysses, KY
Accredited Drug Testing facilitates a seamless experience with its extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including Ulysses, KY. This expansive accessibility ensures that individuals and businesses can effortlessly access our services without unnecessary travel or delays, thus optimizing convenience and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ulysses, KY
Navigating drug testing is straightforward and private with our process. From scheduling to sample collection and receiving results, each step respects clients' confidentiality and is designed for ease, assuring everyone in Ulysses, KY, that their privacy is paramount and the procedure is uncomplicated.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ulysses, KY
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery make our hair follicle tests an excellent value for companies of any scale. In Ulysses, KY, organizations benefit from our affordability and efficiency, gaining fast and reliable access to critical data without excessive costs, aiding informed decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ulysses, KY
Hair follicle testing stands out for its swiftness and precision in providing drug test outcomes. Known for delivering reliable results, this method accurately identifies substance use, offering both speed and confidence. In Ulysses, KY, the reliance on the exactitude of hair tests ensures employers and professionals receive dependable data swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ulysses, KY
Utilizing hair follicle drug testing offers employers confidence in maintaining drug-free workplace policies. It assures adherence to safety standards and legal requirements, ultimately fostering a secure environment and delivering peace of mind to employers concerned with legal risks and workplace well-being.
