Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strands retain long-term indicators of drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period for alcohol and other drugs of up to 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Use a jeweler’s scale for accurately weighing the sample. If head hair isn't obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary laboratory processes of a drug test consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of entering a sample into the laboratory’s system. It ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an immediate evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means of excluding drug use in most cases, a positive result must be verified for legal purposes. Samples showing a positive indication during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of performing hair drug tests.
Confirmation for samples with positive screenings is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary before Confirmation. The laboratory procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation adhere to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test is often misnamed as a "hair follicle test", though it assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Wurtland, KY, provides several advantages over traditional urine tests. Superior detection accuracy and reliability make it the preferred choice for many. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers a broader detection window, capturing a comprehensive view of substance use history, also reducing any chances of manipulation or producing false results.
The strength of hair follicle testing in Wurtland, KY, lies in its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, it offers employers a thorough perspective on an individual’s substance history. This extended timeframe is invaluable for making informed employment decisions, ensuring workplace safety.
In Wurtland, KY, the hair follicle test's design significantly reduces the risk of tampering with specimens. Unlike other methods, its tamper-resistant nature provides reliable and indisputable results, upholding the integrity of the screening process and ensuring that outcomes are accurate and trustworthy.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient access in Wurtland, KY, with numerous nationwide testing centers. This broad reach ensures quick and effortless access to services, making the testing process seamless and hassle-free for everyone involved.
In Wurtland, KY, the process of ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results from hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. This ensures ease of use and addresses privacy concerns, enabling individuals to comfortably manage their testing without fear of exposure or complication.
Wurtland, KY, offers hair follicle testing with affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. These features provide excellent value, allowing companies of varied sizes to benefit from competitive pricing structures and rapid results, ensuring peace of mind while maintaining financial feasibility.
In Wurtland, KY, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests offer high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring reliable results. The efficiency of hair follicle testing means you get fast, trustworthy outcomes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking quick and precise testing solutions.
For employers in Wurtland, KY, using hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free policies, enhancing workplace safety. It diminishes legal risks by providing reliable assessment tools, thus offering peace of mind. With strict adherence to workplace standards, it fosters a safe and compliant work environment.
