Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair gives a prolonged history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection period for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's best to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The process of obtaining a drug test result in the lab encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into the laboratory system. This step involves checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any requisite data entry not already supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, swift check for the presence of abused substances. Though a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be admissible in legal settings. Presumptively positive Screening samples necessitate further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which highlights the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive Screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any sample with a presumptive positive is cleaned before final confirmation as required. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to 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: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually concerns the hair strand and not the follicle within the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Hopkinsville outperforms traditional urine tests in several ways.
Benefits include:
One pivotal advantage of hair follicle testing in Hopkinsville, OH, is its extended detection window of up to 90 days.
This gives employers a comprehensive insight into the potential drug use history of an individual, helping to maintain safe and productive workplaces. This extended reach means crucial information isn't missed.
Hair follicle tests significantly curtail the risk of sample adulteration, offering trustworthy results in Hopkinsville, OH.
The method requires an observed collection process, making it extremely difficult for individuals to tamper with samples, thereby ensuring the security and integrity of the testing results.
With numerous testing centers available nationwide, including local facilities in Hopkinsville, OH, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free.
Employers and individuals benefit from quick, convenient testing locations without extensive travel, ensuring the testing process is smooth and efficient.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Hopkinsville, OH, is simple and confidential.
Easy to order, undertake, and receive results, this process respects privacy while being user-friendly, addressing concerns of confidentiality and facilitating worry-free testing experiences.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Hopkinsville, OH, ensure great value for businesses.
Affordability paired with comprehensive and swift services makes hair follicle testing an attractive option, offering financial and operational peace of mind to companies.
The precision and quick turnaround of hair follicle drug testing in Hopkinsville, OH, make it a reliable choice for detecting substance use.
These tests are not only fast but also highly accurate, offering peace of mind to employers and individuals alike. With cutting-edge technology, hair tests deliver conclusive results, confirming or ruling out the presence of drugs effectively.
For employers in Hopkinsville, OH, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
By reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance and promoting a safer work environment, this testing method offers peace of mind, establishing a foundation for a secure and thriving workplace.
