Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has become regarded as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers as they grow, providing a comprehensive history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for up to a three-month timespan. It is easy to gather, hard to alter, and convenient for shipping.
For an adequate screening and verification, a 1.5-inch length of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields around 100mg of hair. For EtG, additions, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Overview of the Process
The key steps in the lab analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab system. This step includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment were intact, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid assessment for drug usage. Though Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples with a presumptive positive outcome in Screening do necessitate an additional confirmation step.
Should a sample receive a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
For Confirmation of any positive screening outcome, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is used. Samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being commonly named "hair follicle tests," this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Whipps Millgate, KY offers superior benefits. The accuracy and reliability of detecting substance use are much higher with hair tests. Urine tests have a limited detection window, while hair testing provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history over a longer period.
Employers in Whipps Millgate, KY appreciate the extended detection window afforded by hair follicle testing. By identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests offer a thorough insight into an applicant or employee’s drug history, allowing for more informed decisions in the hiring process.
The hair follicle test's design makes it resistant to tampering, offering confidence that results are accurate. In Whipps Millgate, KY, this method significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, guaranteeing results that are trustworthy and unquestionable.
The convenience of local and nationwide testing centers in Whipps Millgate, KY ensures that hair follicle drug testing is accessible and hassle-free. With numerous testing locations available, quick and easy tests are possible without any inconvenient delays or travel requirements.
The process for hair follicle testing in Whipps Millgate, KY is simple, confidential, and designed for privacy. From ordering to receiving results, each step is secure and user-friendly, addressing concerns about privacy while ensuring the ease of obtaining necessary information seamlessly.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Whipps Millgate, KY an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Businesses seeking value and efficiency will find that the combination of affordable costs and swift results offers peace of mind while maintaining budgetary constraints.
In Whipps Millgate, KY, hair follicle drug testing provides quick, precise, and dependable results. These tests excel in detecting substance use due to advanced methodologies, making them more accurate than other testing options. The high precision of hair testing ensures reliable identification for individuals and organizations seeking clarity in drug use history.
Employers in Whipps Millgate, KY find hair follicle testing invaluable in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By utilizing these methods, organizations can reduce legal liabilities and enhance workplace safety, ensuring that the environment stays productive and secure.