Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive history of substance use. Hair captures biomarkers within its growing fibers, creating a prolonged timeline of use. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can reveal usage of alcohol and other drugs over roughly a three-month period. The process of collecting hair is uncomplicated, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
Securing a sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (equal to the diameter of a #2 pencil), that is nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg, an optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG tests, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Employing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. In cases lacking scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in a lab consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first integrated into the laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample's proper seal and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry that may not be covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug substances. Though Screening efficiently eliminates drug use in most samples, any positive findings must undergo further confirmation for court validity. Presumptively positive samples identified through Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial collection and processed for Extraction. In this step, drugs are removed from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging practice.
Confirmation of positive Screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned for confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wheeler, KY
The advantages of hair follicle testing become evident when compared to traditional urine testing methods. Hair tests maintain robust detection accuracy, leaving no room for errors. The capability to identify substance use over extended periods makes hair testing more reliable and comprehensive than urine tests.
Hair follicle tests are challenging to manipulate, offering a foolproof solution for detecting drug use. Employers and legal authorities value hair testing for its exceptional accuracy and dependability, ensuring test results provide a true reflection of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Wheeler, KY
One of the primary advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged timeframe. This comprehensive method covers up to 90 days of a potential user's history. By offering this extended detection window, employers can gain a more complete understanding of an individual’s substance habits.
For employers in Wheeler, KY, this long-term perspective serves as an invaluable assessment tool in making informed hiring and disciplinary decisions. Hair testing provides the data necessary to evaluate consistent patterns of substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wheeler, KY
Hair follicle tests stand out for their resistance to tampering. This property significantly mitigates the risk of adulterated samples, ensuring that the results remain consistent and trustworthy. For employers and authorities, this means they can rely on these tests without concern of manipulation.
The difficulty in altering hair test samples delivers consistent and honest results. Employers can count on these tests to enforce compliance and maintain integrity in drug-free policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wheeler, KY
Accredited Drug Testing ensures that comprehensive testing services are within reach. Our widespread network of centers across the nation simplifies the process for individuals and companies in need of drug testing services, including in Wheeler, KY.
Access to local facilities offers unmatched convenience, allowing quick and hassle-free testing with minimal disruption to daily routines. With our expansive reach, we make obtaining drug testing services an effortless experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wheeler, KY
The process of ordering, testing, and receiving results at our locations in Wheeler, KY, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From the initial appointment setup to the final report, we prioritize privacy and ease of interaction.
Our streamlined procedures cater to individuals and businesses alike, addressing concerns about discretion and user-friendliness. With our services, the drug testing process becomes a smooth experience, free of unnecessary complications.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wheeler, KY
Our services in Wheeler, KY, are competitively priced, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality. Quick turnaround times further enhance value, meeting the needs of organizations both large and small.
Providing fast and precise results at affordable rates fosters peace of mind for employers. Companies can rely on our services to obtain reliable outcomes at a great price point, ensuring budgeting and testing needs are both met.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wheeler, KY
Hair follicle drug tests distinguish themselves through precision and speed. The testing process accurately detects the presence of substances, ensuring no trace of use is overlooked. This method consistently delivers reliable results, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Distinguished by their swift procedure, hair tests expedite the path from sample collection to result generation. Individuals and organizations can count on these tests to quickly inform their decisions, fostering a proactive approach to substance use monitoring.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wheeler, KY
Hair follicle testing ensures employers comply with drug-free workplace policies. This method of testing reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety by providing irrefutable evidence of an employee's substance use habits.
Implementing hair tests across the workplace instills confidence in employers, providing assurance that employees adhere to sobriety regulations. This peace of mind allows businesses to focus on growth and productivity without the shadow of substance misuse hanging over them.