Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an influential method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair encapsulates a prolonged history of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) from near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for assessment and validation. For EtG, supplementary, and/or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's beneficial to weigh the sample on a jewelry scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. Referencing head hair implies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The fundamental steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a specimen within a laboratory’s framework. This process incorporates verifying that the specimen was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any extra data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While it is a cost-efficient method to negate drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
For any sample showing presumptive positivity in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is a complex approach to execute.
Verification of any positive result from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Troy, KS, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests thanks to their superior accuracy and extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, which may miss recent drug use, hair tests reveal patterns over a longer period, offering a more reliable assessment. These advantages make hair testing the preferred choice for employers and authorities aiming to ensure a drug-free environment.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing makes it a valuable tool in Troy, KS. While urine tests lose accuracy beyond a few days, hair tests can identify drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended period gives employers a fuller picture of substance history, aiding in informed decision-making concerning employment or treatment plans.
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method in Troy, KS. Unlike urine samples which might be adulterated, hair samples provide a nearly foolproof means of ensuring test integrity. This reliability guarantees that results are both accurate and trustworthy, minimizing doubts about the authenticity of the findings.
With numerous convenient nationwide testing locations, including local centers in Troy, KS, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward. This widespread availability ensures individuals and employers can quickly undergo testing without lengthy delays, supporting timely results and seamless service.
In Troy, KS, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step respects user privacy. Accessing these services is straightforward, ensuring individuals feel secure and informed throughout the procedure, thus removing any apprehensions about undertaking the test.
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Troy, KS is both affordable and efficient. This service provides great value for employers of all sizes, ensuring they maintain adherence to policies without substantial financial strain. Fast results bolster this cost-effectiveness, ensuring readiness when action is needed.
Hair follicle testing in Troy, KS promises fast, accurate, and reliable results. Its precision lies in detecting even the smallest traces of drugs, providing a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use. The fast turnaround time in reporting these results ensures that critical decisions are made promptly, reinforcing trust in the process.
Employers in Troy, KS gain peace of mind using hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only upholds safety standards but also reduces legal liabilities. The assurance that testing is thorough and fair contributes to a safer, more compliant work environment.
