Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now acknowledged as a potent instrument for identifying consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair holds a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands’ fibers as they grow. A sample collected near the scalp can offer up to an estimated 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all additional hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Synopsis
The procedure within a laboratory for processing a drug test outcome primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample in a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for admissibility in legal situations. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is regarded as a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Halstead, KS
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability in Halstead, KS. With a longer detection window and more robust analysis, hair tests provide a clearer picture of drug use, minimizing false negatives and enhancing drug policy enforcement for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Halstead, KS
Hair follicle testing reveals drug use over a much longer timeframe, up to 90 days, giving Halstead employers a broader view of an individual's substance history. The extended window provides a comprehensive assessment, making it easier to maintain workplace safety and compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Halstead, KS
The hair follicle test significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, providing credible and irrefutable results. This reliability is crucial for employers and legal bodies in Halstead, KS, who need dependable drug testing solutions without the risk of adulteration.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Halstead, KS
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including locations in Halstead, KS, offers easy and swift access to testing services. This convenience ensures a hassle-free experience for those seeking drug testing, saving time and simplifying the process across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Halstead, KS
Our drug testing procedure in Halstead, KS, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the entire process safeguards privacy while ensuring ease of use, addressing any potential concerns related to confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Halstead, KS
We offer competitive pricing for our testing services in Halstead, ensuring value for companies of all sizes. Our quick turnaround times mean you get results rapidly, enabling you to act swiftly and confidently with peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Halstead, KS
Hair follicle testing offers unmatched precision and speed in identifying substance use, ensuring high accuracy. Results are processed quickly, providing detailed insights and eliminating guesswork, making it a trustworthy method for employers and legal entities in Halstead, KS, who require reliable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Halstead, KS
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies in Halstead, KS, reducing potential legal challenges. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that they are meeting regulatory requirements while enhancing workplace safety and productivity.
