Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into an effective approach for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. The hair encapsulates a prolonged history of alcohol and other drugs by securing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. The process of hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil in diameter) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the sample’s entry into a lab system, ensuring proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an e-chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that turn up positive during Screening require further confirmation.
A sample testing positive in the Screening phase leads to additional hair from the original sample being prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most challenging technique to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positives are washed when needed. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Union, KY
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection capabilities over traditional urine tests. They provide a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.
The accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it a more dependable choice, ensuring that employers and institutions can trust the results and make informed decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Union, KY
Hair follicle testing extends the detection period to a lengthy 90 days, far exceeding the capabilities of urine tests, giving employers an extensive overview of substance use.
This extended window is crucial for understanding patterns of drug use, enabling more informed decisions for hiring and employment continuity in Union, KY.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Union, KY
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering, providing nearly foolproof results that assure employers of their integrity.
Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests are far more secure, offering reliable and unquestionable results that enhance trust in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Union, KY
With numerous testing centers nationwide, our services promise a quick and seamless experience for residents in Union, KY.
Local accessibility ensures that individuals seeking testing services can do so without hassle or prolonged waiting times.
Simple, Confidential Process in Union, KY
Our straightforward process ensures ease of use, from ordering tests to receiving confidential results, maintaining user privacy at every step.
This simplicity and confidentiality make hair follicle testing a highly preferred method for individuals concerned about their privacy along the way.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Union, KY
Our competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times offer excellent value, making hair follicle testing accessible for companies of all sizes.
Union, KY companies can benefit from this efficient testing solution without breaking their budgets, receiving swift and cost-effective results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Union, KY
Hair follicle testing provides unmatched accuracy when it comes to detecting substance use in Union, KY. Known for its precision, this method ensures effective results, reducing chances of false positives compared to traditional tests.
The speed at which hair drug tests deliver results has made them a preferred choice. Their reliability ensures that individuals and employers receive trustworthy information promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Union, KY
Employers in Union, KY can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing, reducing legal risks and enhancing overall safety.
By adopting hair testing, businesses not only mitigate potential liabilities but also create a safer and more productive work environment.