Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. This method captures a longer-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken from areas near the scalp, hair specimens can offer a detection range of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Collection of hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch portion containing approximately 200 hair strands, resembling a #2 pencil in size, should yield 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair sample is recommended. If there isn’t enough scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial stage where the sample is incorporated into the laboratory system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for potential drug abuse signs. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples that raise suspicion during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are drawn out of hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other testing methods like urine or saliva, which makes hair drug testing a more complex methodology.
Any positive results found during Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand, nor the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Morganville, KS
In Morganville, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy over longer periods. Hair tests capture up to 90 days of substance history, providing a reliable overview of substance use patterns, unlike urine tests that only detect recent use. This makes hair testing a more effective tool for thorough analyses.
Extended Detection Window in Morganville, KS
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection period, capturing drug use for up to 90 days, much longer than traditional methods. Employers in Morganville can rely on this extended window to gain a thorough understanding of candidates' or employees' past substance use, aiding in informed and confident employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Morganville, KS
Hair follicle tests revolutionize reliability with reduced chances of sample tampering. Providing incontestable results, this method counters common issues faced with other tests. In Morganville, KS, organizations can trust in the integrity and accuracy of hair-based testing to uphold their evaluation processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Morganville, KS
Our testing centers, scattered nationwide and locally within Morganville, KS, ensure that accessing testing services is convenient and swift. This network allows seamless scheduling and faster results, minimizing interruptions to employers’ and employees’ routines while maintaining service quality.
Simple, Confidential Process in Morganville, KS
Designed with ease and privacy in mind, the hair follicle testing process in Morganville is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, individuals are assured a discreet experience, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a stress-free testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Morganville, KS
We provide competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing, ensuring exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes in Morganville, KS, benefit from fast, reliable testing results without compromising budgetary constraints, promoting peace of mind for cost-effective assessments.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Morganville, KS
Hair follicle testing stands out for its rapid and precise results in detecting substance use. This method provides a high level of accuracy, ensuring that individuals leading substance-free lives are accurately recognized while those who may pose risks are identified swiftly.
In Morganville, KS, relying on these tests enhances decision-making with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Morganville, KS
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug policies, significantly reducing legal complications while enhancing safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they're contributing to a safer working environment, confident in the reliable data of these tests compared to other methods.
