Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, a proportional quantity of body hair might be obtained. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial handling of a specimen into the laboratory’s framework. This step ensures that the specimen was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of misuse. Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in the majority of specimens; nevertheless, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a specimen is found presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are drawn from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When contrasting the benefits of hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Centralia, KS, the former excels with superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a more detailed snapshot of substance use, avoiding the pitfalls often associated with urine tests. This enhanced detection capability makes hair testing a preferred choice for stringent drug use policies.
Employers in Centralia, KS, appreciate hair follicle testing for its ability to trace drug use for up to 90 days. This extensive detection window offers a thorough history of an individual's substance use, aiding employers in making informed decisions during the hiring process. It's an invaluable tool for understanding an applicant's long-term behaviors.
The risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced with hair follicle testing in Centralia, KS. The method's design ensures reliability and minimizes the opportunity for tampering, providing consistent and unquestionable results. This trustworthiness makes hair testing a critical method for those requiring unalterable results.
Our nationwide testing centers simplify access to hair follicle testing for Centralia, KS residents, providing a hassle-free experience. Whether local or distant, our strategically placed locations guarantee a prompt and easy testing process, removing barriers and providing flexibility for all individuals.
In Centralia, KS, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is both simple and confidential. Focused on privacy and ease of use, this approach addresses common concerns, ensuring that the testing journey is straightforward and respects individual confidentiality needs.
Hair follicle testing in Centralia, KS is competitively priced, with rapid turnaround times making it a value-laden option for businesses of all sizes. Our pricing structure aims to provide affordable access, coupled with swift results, granting organizations peace of mind without financial strain.
In Centralia, KS, hair follicle drug tests promise swift, accurate, and reliable outcomes. Their precision in detecting substance usage positions them as a superior alternative to traditional methods. Hair testing allows for a broader spectrum of detection, ensuring that results are not only quick but also precise, making it a preferred choice for those valuing accuracy.
In Centralia, KS, hair follicle testing supports workplace safety and drug-free policies, ensuring compliance and reducing legal risks. For employers, this method mitigates the chances of workplace incidents, providing peace of mind and contributing to a safer work environment through reliable testing.
