Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers around a three-month window for detecting alcohol and various drugs. It is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.
An ideal sample for analysis consists of a 1.5-inch portion made up of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair. For EtG, supplementary tests, or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. Our mention of head hair pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The key phases in the laboratory processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of incorporating a sample into the laboratory system. This stage ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry required beyond the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for the presence of drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive screening requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If the Screening process indicates a presumptively positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from hair in this phase at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair testing over urine testing in Mount Hope, KS? Hair follicle tests offer a superior detection rate and reliability that traditional urine tests simply cannot match. These tests are less invasive and provide results that extend further back in time, giving a more accurate measure of substance use over a longer period.
Hair follicle drug testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Mount Hope, KS. This comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history offers employers the advantage of making informed hiring and employment decisions, leading to a safer and more productive workplace.
The hair follicle drug test is a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. In Mount Hope, KS, employers can rely on these tests for unquestionable results, helping to maintain integrity and trust in drug testing procedures.
Our wide network of testing centers, including local facilities in Mount Hope, KS, assures convenience and accessibility. Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide presence means you can access testing services quickly and easily, without hassle or delay.
In Mount Hope, KS, Accredited Drug Testing ensures a simple and confidential process for ordering, administering, and obtaining results. Our services address concerns about privacy and ease of use, offering a stress-free experience from start to finish.
In Mount Hope, KS, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. Get the best value and ensure peace of mind with our efficient services.
In Mount Hope, KS, hair follicle drug testing presents a fast, accurate method for detecting substance usage. The precision and speed of these tests are invaluable, ensuring highly accurate results each time. Whether it's identifying drug use or providing clear evidence in substance-related cases, hair testing stands out as a paramount choice.
For employers in Mount Hope, KS, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, reducing legal risks, and promoting a safe work environment. Utilizing hair testing helps maintain a drug-free workplace, offering peace of mind and confidence to employers.