Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a long-term history of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair samples are taken from near the scalp, they offer as much as a three-month detection period for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, or more than 10-panel screens, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain strictly to scalp hair, whereas body hair refers to other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the laboratory validation of a drug analysis: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial registration of a sample into the lab's database. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entries not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive findings must be validated to be applicable in court. Samples that test positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If results are positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to carry out.
Confirmation of positive screening findings is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though they're often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Weir, KY, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in numerous ways. Superior detection accuracy over a longer period is a notable benefit. While urine tests might detect recent drug use, hair tests offer insights up to 90 days.
Reliability is another advantage, as hair tests are nearly impossible to tamper with, unlike urine tests that can be influenced by various factors.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Weir, KY is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods that offer limited timeframes, these tests can trace drug use up to 90 days back. This extended period provides employers a broader understanding of a candidate's or current employee's substance history, aiding in making informed decisions regarding employment suitability.
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method in Weir, KY, minimizing the chances of sample manipulation. Unlike urine tests that can be adulterated, hair testing provides results that are both reliable and difficult to dispute.
This feature ensures valid outcomes, maintaining the integrity of the testing process, and is particularly beneficial for zero-tolerance policies.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including local centers in Weir, KY, accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward. Our extensive network ensures that individuals and businesses can access testing services quickly and efficiently, reducing the hassle and wait times often associated with drug testing procedures, offering flexibility and ease of access.
The hair follicle testing process in Weir, KY is characterized by its simple and confidential nature. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving results, the procedure prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality.
This straightforward approach enables individuals and businesses to conduct tests without burdensome processes.
Our hair follicle testing services in Weir, KY deliver affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times, offering exceptional value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from competitive pricing and swift results, making it easier to incorporate comprehensive drug testing into their operations without financial strain or prolonged waiting periods.
Hair follicle drug tests in Weir, KY provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, ensuring that every test accurately reflects the individual's drug history over extended periods.
These tests are designed for those who value accuracy and speed, delivering comprehensive results swiftly.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Weir, KY assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, granting employers peace of mind. By reducing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment, these tests help businesses adhere to regulations without concerns of unreliable results or legal loopholes.
Employers can confidently enforce policies knowing testing methods are both effective and dependable.