Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term substance history by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collecting samples near the scalp gives about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The process of gathering hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for initial screening and validation. For comprehensive analyses like EtG or tests over 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test is composed of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially formalizing a sample within a lab’s tracking system. This step includes ensuring the sample's sealed and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any requisite data entry absent from an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a rapid preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although Screening is an efficient strategy to eliminate drug usage in most cases, only a positively screened sample can be court-verified. Any sample with a positive Screening outcome necessitates a secondary confirmation.
If a sample results as potentially positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are gleaned from hair at much lower concentrations than traditional methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which explains the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding occurs through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual examination is on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the skin.
Comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine screening in Fritz, KY, reveals distinct benefits. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests surpass urine tests, particularly in detecting prolonged substance use. Employers benefit from the enhanced detection capabilities, as hair testing provides a more comprehensive history of an individual's drug usage.
Hair follicle testing in Fritz, KY, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough view of an applicant or employee's substance usage history. This extended timeframe allows for a more accurate assessment of past drug use, helping employers make informed hiring or retention decisions based on comprehensive data.
In Fritz, KY, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. The collection method and inherent characteristics of hair samples make them difficult to alter, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results for substance testing.
With nationwide testing centers and local locations in Fritz, KY, accessing hair follicle drug testing is convenient and hassle-free. These centers offer quick and accessible services, ensuring that individuals and employers can easily obtain the necessary tests without complicated processes or distant travels.
In Fritz, KY, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. The procedure for ordering, taking, and receiving test results is streamlined to prioritize ease of use and privacy, addressing any concerns individuals may have regarding confidentiality and the overall testing experience.
Fritz, KY, boasts hair follicle drug testing with affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures are designed to provide excellent value, offering peace of mind and swift results for companies of all sizes, without compromising quality or accuracy.
In Fritz, KY, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests showcase high precision in detecting substances, allowing for timely and accurate insights into an individual's drug use. Employers can trust the results due to their consistency and comprehensive nature, giving them confidence in the testing process.
Hair follicle testing in Fritz, KY, offers employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances safety within the workplace, fostering a secure and compliant environment for employees and management alike.
