Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly considered an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs, as biomarkers embed themselves within the fibers as the hair grows. When the sample is taken near the scalp, it can provide a detection window of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. Collection is straightforward, it is challenging to alter, and it is convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for initial screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG assessments, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, a minimum of 150mg of the sample is advised. It is best to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. By 'head hair', we mean only the hair on the scalp. The term 'body hair' denotes any other types of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key processes in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory system, encompassing checks to ensure the sample was adequately sealed and sent, the assignment of a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment to detect drugs of abuse. While an economical solution to eliminate drug usage in most samples, confirmation is imperative for any positive screen that is intended to be court-admissible. Samples returning a presumptive positive from the Screening stage require further verification.
If there's a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs at a far lower concentration from hair than from other samples (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleaned as needed. The entire testing pathway from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Cave City, KY, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. With benefits such as a longer detection window and difficulty in cheating, it is the preferred choice for employers seeking thorough assessments of substance use in the workplace, ensuring a drug-free environment.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Cave City, KY offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. With the capability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior, employers are equipped with invaluable insights into the potential hire or current employee's habits, promoting informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Cave City, KY stand as a tamper-resistant method for substance use screening. Their resistance to sample adulteration ensures the integrity and reliability of results, providing peace of mind in knowing that the results truly reflect the individual's drug use history without the risk of manipulation.
With numerous convenient local and nationwide testing locations, accessing hair follicle testing in Cave City, KY is both quick and straightforward. Our extensive network of facilities ensures easy access without the hassle, making the process simple and efficient for individuals and companies alike.
The hair follicle testing process in Cave City, KY is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. Individuals can rest assured knowing the procedure is straightforward, with their privacy maintained at all stages, fostering trust and confidence.
In Cave City, KY, hair follicle drug tests are competitively priced and offer fast turnarounds. This accessibility ensures businesses of all sizes can enjoy excellent value without compromising on quality, providing peace of mind and accommodating employers' needs for timely and cost-effective substance use screening.
Experience fast, accurate, and reliable drug testing results in Cave City, KY with hair follicle testing. These tests excel in precision, offering high accuracy in substance detection. Whether for personal, legal, or employment purposes, the speed of processing ensures timely and dependable outcomes for any scenario.
Employers in Cave City, KY benefit from the compliance and security offered by hair follicle testing. This testing method helps maintain drug-free policies, reduce legal liabilities, and promote a safer workplace, thereby ensuring compliance and peace of mind for organizations aiming to uphold high standards of workplace safety.
