Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a vital technique for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. It offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to roughly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both initial testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair is collectable. In mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four primary steps in lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This comprises ensuring the sample was duly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry missing in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid examination for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample be indicatively positive during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are withdrawn from hair at much lower concentrations than using other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accounting for why hair drug testing involves a more complex procedure.
Positive screening results are confirmed by GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed pre-confirmation as needed. The entire lab processing from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
When considering drug testing methods in Boone, KY, hair follicle testing emerges as superior compared to traditional urine tests. Its benefits include not only a longer detection window but also enhanced accuracy and reliability. Hair testing secures better insight into substance use history, making it a preferable choice for those seeking comprehensive information.
Hair follicle testing in Boone, KY stands out with its impressive detection duration, extending up to 90 days. This expanded window provides employers with a detailed review of an individual's past drug use. It offers a panoramic perspective on substance use, crucial for evaluating potential employees or ensuring current employees' compliance with drug-free policies.
In Boone, KY, the implementation of hair follicle tests significantly deters the likelihood of sample tampering. These tests offer a robust solution, minimizing the risk of adulteration and ensuring that the results provided are credible and beyond dispute. The method's resilience against tampering ensures a higher level of reliability compared to other testing forms.
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenient access for residents in Boone, KY. With nationwide and local venues available, obtaining testing services is streamlined and hassle-free. This accessibility facilitates a smooth process, making drug testing requirements easy to fulfill without unnecessary delays.
In Boone, KY, the process of hair follicle drug testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From the initial ordering stages to the final receipt of results, each step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness. This straightforward approach addresses privacy concerns, ensuring that the experience is both secure and easy to navigate.
Boone, KY businesses can take advantage of affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times with hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates deliver cost-efficient solutions without sacrificing quality, ensuring that companies receive exceptional value along with fast, reliable results that contribute to informed decision-making.
In Boone, KY, hair follicle drug tests offer a unique blend of speed and precision. The tests are designed to swiftly and accurately identify substance use, providing dependable results that are highly valued by employers and individuals alike. In the pursuit of exactitude, the methodology employed guarantees that results are both prompt and precise.
Employers in Boone, KY find peace of mind through hair follicle testing as it reinforces compliance with drug-free workplace standards. By adopting these tests, companies can mitigate legal risks, promoting a safer and more secure workplace environment. This approach supports adherence to policies and enhances overall operational integrity.
