Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and other drugs by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer about a 3-month detection window for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hairs (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred amount for assessment and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in laboratory processing of a laboratory test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for courtroom acceptance. Any samples that are initially positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample is initially positive in the Screening step, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under 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 commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
The choice of hair follicle testing over urine tests in South Mound, KS, offers compelling advantages. Hair tests boast a superior detection accuracy, often identifying drug use over a longer period than traditional methods. This enhanced accuracy helps employers and professionals make informed decisions.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing significantly extends the detection window, capturing a more comprehensive substance history. Their reliability and resistance to tampering make them a preferred choice for those prioritizing precision in drug testing.
A key advantage of hair follicle testing in South Mound, KS, is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair tests can identify drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a broader retrospective analysis. This feature is vital for employers seeking a detailed view of an individual's substance history.
Employers gain insights into patterns of usage, enabling better assessment of applicants or employees. This extended timeframe provides a more extensive narrative compared to short, limited windows offered by some other testing methods.
Hair follicle drug testing in South Mound, KS, significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. The inherent reliability of hair samples ensures that results are practically beyond question, offering a trusted solution for detecting substance abuse.
This method's robust defense against adulteration means hair tests are effectively fool-proof, providing accurate results. Employers and authorities highly value this reliability, making it a favored approach for ensuring integrity in drug testing programs.
With Accredited Drug Testing centers accessible across the nation, including South Mound, KS, testing is made convenient and stress-free. Our widespread presence ensures quick access to reliable drug testing services, no matter your location.
Our proficiency in managing nationwide testing enables clients to enjoy efficient and hassle-free processes. Local access to these services underscores our commitment to providing simplicity and ease in drug testing solutions.
The hair follicle testing process in South Mound, KS, is both simple and confidential. Ordering and undertaking tests is straightforward, and result delivery prioritizes privacy, addressing individuals' concerns about discretion and ease.
From start to finish, the process is designed to be user-friendly while ensuring confidentiality. We aim to uphold the highest standards of privacy, aligning with clients’ needs for secure and seamless testing experiences.
In South Mound, KS, our hair follicle drug testing combines affordable pricing with fast turnaround. We offer competitive rates without sacrificing the quality of our services, guaranteeing exceptional value for businesses of any size.
Rapid processing times complement our affordable costs, ensuring that clients receive swift and precise results. This balance of cost and speed underscores our commitment to offering cost-effective, reliable testing solutions.
In South Mound, KS, hair follicle drug testing offers remarkable precision and speed in identifying substance use. The process is streamlined to provide results quickly while maintaining high accuracy levels. Hair samples undergo meticulous analysis, ensuring reliable detection of various substances.
This method's state-of-the-art technology guarantees that results are delivered swiftly without compromising accuracy. Hair tests are capable of revealing long-term drug use, which makes it a preferred choice for those seeking confident and timely outcomes.
Employers in South Mound, KS, benefit from the compliance and peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing. This method supports workplace drug-free policies, helping to decrease legal risks and foster a safer, more secure working environment.
By implementing hair testing, companies enhance their adherence to strict policies, contributing to reduced liability. It helps maintain a high standard of workplace accountability and drug policy enforcement, reassuring both employers and employees alike.