Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through trapping biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can provide a detection timeframe of up to around 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg for the sample should be followed. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The fundamental stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab's system. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples that exhibit presumptive positivity in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial specimen and made ready for Extraction. In this procedure, drug extraction from hair occurs at a considerably lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is notably challenging to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screening finding is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed beforehand as required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the actual examination analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bush, KY
When comparing drug screening methods, hair follicle tests offer superior detection capability and reliability over traditional urine tests. Hair testing's accuracy over an extended duration surpasses that of urine tests, highlighting its efficiency in continuous drug use verification.
Extended Detection Window in Bush, KY
The ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period, often up to 90 days, marks a significant advantage of hair follicle testing. For employers, this means gaining valuable insight into an employee's or applicant's long-term substance use history, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bush, KY
Hair follicle testing significantly mitigates sample tampering risks, offering trustworthy and dependable results. This level of security helps maintain the integrity of the drug testing process, limiting the chances of falsified outcomes and ensuring authentic findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bush, KY
Our testing centers, available nationwide, guarantee easy and accessible drug testing services. Whether in Bush, KY, or across the country, the availability of centers reduces testing-related hassles, ensuring a smooth process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bush, KY
The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving a hair follicle test is straightforward and private. Each step is designed to maintain confidentiality and ease, addressing concerns about privacy while assuring users of a smooth experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bush, KY
Our competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times stands out, providing excellent value to companies of all sizes. This approach ensures clients receive timely and cost-effective solutions, enhancing overall satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bush, KY
Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. These tests boast high accuracy in identifying substance usage, providing confidence in the results. The precise testing method ensures efficient detection of drugs, reinforcing their role as a trusted choice in drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bush, KY
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing can confidently adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This method decreases legal challenges and enhances workplace safety, contributing positively to the work environment and offering peace of mind.
