Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol intake over a duration of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both analysis and verification. For EtG, add-on tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab-based processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the initial sample is incorporated into the lab's system. This process verifies that the sample’s seals and shipment are intact, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment to identify drugs of abuse. Although economical, initial screens require confirmatory tests for legal admissibility if they yield a positive result. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
Upon obtaining a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction process. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging processes.
Confirmation of any positive screen is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated within the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly described as "hair follicle tests," this analysis actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine sampling in Longton, KS, the benefits are clear. Hair tests offer higher reliability and accuracy, making them an invaluable tool for detection. Where urine tests might provide short-term insights, hair analysis gives a comprehensive view, detecting drug use over a prolonged period, thus offering better security and assurance for organizations enforcing strict policies.
Longton, KS businesses recognize the advantage of the extended detection window offered by hair testing. Unlike urine tests, which only track drugs for a few days, hair follicle analysis provides a lookback of up to 90 days. This extensive detection period is invaluable for employers, providing a thorough evaluation of an employee's or applicant's history, aiding in informed decision-making.
In Longton, KS, the reliability of hair follicle testing stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature. The collection process minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and difficult to manipulate. This level of security makes hair testing an ideal choice for organizations aiming for accurate assessments free from the risk of cheating common with other testing methods.
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Longton, KS, ensures great convenience. This widespread availability guarantees quick access to testing services, making the process straightforward and hassle-free for both employers and individuals seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
In Longton, KS, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and confidential. Customers can rely on a private and straightforward system that addresses privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the testing journey.
Our commitment to affordable pricing in Longton, KS is accompanied by fast turnaround times, delivering exceptional value. We cater to companies of all sizes by ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality, providing peace of mind and financial efficiency in drug testing processes.
With a focus on speed and precision, hair follicle drug tests conducted in Longton, KS, guarantee high accuracy levels in detecting substances. This superior method allows both employers and individuals to make informed decisions based on reliable results. The process not only provides timely data but also maintains a high standard of reliability in the assessment of current or past substance use.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Longton, KS provides employers with compliance and peace of mind. This testing method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing the legal risks associated with non-compliance. By choosing this reliable testing approach, employers can enhance workplace safety while ensuring they are meeting necessary legal and ethical standards.
