Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair shaft's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, collecting 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If head hair is not available, the same amount of body hair can be obtained. When discussing head hair, we are focusing on scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all other hair forms (facial, axillary, and so on).
Process Overview
The four primary stages involved in the laboratory examination of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This entails confirming that the sample was securely sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of misuse. While Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that presumptively appear positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
When a sample presents presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: While often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair shaft and not the follicle underneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fox Chase, KY
In comparing hair and urine tests, hair analysis offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, which only capture recent use, hair tests provide a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, making them a preferred choice for employers seeking accurate results.
Extended Detection Window in Fox Chase, KY
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its long detection window, capturing drug use for up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with an extensive understanding of an employee's substance habits, ensuring informed decision-making when it comes to workplace safety and compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fox Chase, KY
Hair follicle tests are a tamper-resistant method of drug testing, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures that results are trustworthy and indisputable, providing peace of mind for employers and clear, accurate assessments of employee drug use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fox Chase, KY
Our extensive network of testing locations ensures easy access to hair follicle testing services, reducing logistical challenges. With local testing sites available in Fox Chase, KY, getting tested has never been quicker or more convenient for both individuals and employers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fox Chase, KY
Our drug testing process is straightforward and private, from ordering to receiving results. We ensure that user privacy is prioritized, making the testing process stress-free and confidential, addressing any concerns about personal data and test security effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fox Chase, KY
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures combined with quick turnaround times, delivering excellent value. Our cost-effective solutions fit companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind without compromising on quality or speed of results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fox Chase, KY
The precision of hair follicle testing is unparalleled, offering swift, reliable results in detecting substance use. This method boasts a high accuracy rate, ensuring dependability and confidence in the outcomes. Employers in Fox Chase can rely on this advanced testing to maintain a drug-free environment effectively.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fox Chase, KY
Implementing hair follicle testing helps adhere to strict workplace drug-free policies. This method minimizes legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind and helping maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements effectively.
