Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly become recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair contains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to around three months for substances. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp region will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both initial and follow-up testing. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary input of a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample’s proper sealing and dispatch, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry that might not be incorporated by an electronic chain of custody
Screening includes a preliminary rapid test for drugs. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug presence for most samples, a screen showing positive results must be confirmed to be legally valid. Samples with presumptive positives during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptive positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are separated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underlining why hair drug assessment is among the most challenging procedures to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp
In Casey Creek, KY, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing emerges as a superior method for identifying drug use, showcasing its distinct benefits over traditional urine testing.
In Casey Creek, KY, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days, providing employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug use history. This long window allows for more informed decision-making.
Casey Creek, KY, boasts hair follicle tests that minimize the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, making it a trusted choice for accurate drug testing.
Our extensive network of testing locations, including those in Casey Creek, KY, offers convenience and efficiency. Nationwide centers ensure straightforward access to testing services.
Ordering, undertaking, and receiving results through hair follicle testing in Casey Creek, KY, is a straightforward and confidential process. Privacy is valued throughout, providing ease and certainty.
Casey Creek, KY, benefits from competitive pricing and rapid results in hair follicle drug testing. This combination offers excellent value, catering to diverse companies' needs.
Hair follicle drug tests in Casey Creek, KY, are renowned for their precision and swift outcomes. The exceptional accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use ensures reliable results.
Employers in Casey Creek, KY, achieve compliance and reassurance with hair follicle testing. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, companies reduce legal risks and enhance safety.
