Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When cut near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use within roughly a 3-month period. It is easy to collect, challenging to alter, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for analysis and verification. For EtG testing or panels above 10, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler's scale can help ensure the correct weight. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Scalp hair specifically refers to head hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to introducing a sample into the lab's system. This process confirms that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing information not covered by the electronic custody documentation system.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for drug substances. Though it is an economical way to eliminate potential drug use in most samples, any positive result during Screening must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptive positives in Screening demand additional verification.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, further hair from the initial specimen is prepped for Extraction. This step involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other testing techniques (like urine or saliva), thus making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Positive results from Screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples marked as presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Abilene, KS, hair follicle tests outshine urine tests due to their superior detection period and accuracy. Hair testing offers a broader timeframe to detect drug use, unlike urine tests that only detect recent use. This extended detection window makes hair testing a preferred choice for thorough checks.
For extended drug detection in Abilene, KS, hair follicle tests allow employers to track substance use up to 90 days. Long detection periods give a broader view of an individual's drug history, offering insights into consistent or occasional use, which is vital for making informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Abilene, KS, are highly resistant to tampering. Reliable results are assured since altering hair samples is nearly impossible compared to urine samples. This integrity makes hair testing an excellent choice for compliance with zero-tolerance policies.
With numerous testing centers in Abilene, KS, and nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience. Quick access to testing services eliminates hassles, providing seamless and accessible testing experiences for businesses and individuals alike.
The process of hair follicle testing in Abilene, KS, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test, and receiving results, privacy is maintained throughout, addressing concerns regarding information security and ease of processing for all parties involved.
Accredited Drug Testing in Abilene, KS, delivers affordability along with fast turnaround times. Competitive pricing structures make it accessible for companies of all sizes, ensuring excellent value and efficient results that ease decision-making and management processes.
The hair follicle drug testing in Abilene, KS, promises fast and accurate results. Precision in detecting substance use is a hallmark, providing reliable data for employers and organizations. This method's reliability ensures that detected drugs are identified with high accuracy, reducing false positives.
Employers in Abilene, KS, can enjoy peace of mind using hair follicle drug testing for compliance with drug-free policies. Workplace safety is enhanced, minimizing legal risks and ensuring a safer, more productive work environment by relying on this robust testing method.
