Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When collected at the scalp, hair can offer as much as a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is uncomplicated, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG add-ons and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in a lab consists of four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This step involves ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not captured in an electronic chain of custody.
The Screening phase is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally admissible. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at much smaller concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging method.
Positive results from Screening are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The whole process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is audited under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," these tests examine the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Glendale, KY
Hair testing surpasses urine tests by providing a superior detection timeframe and more reliable outcomes. The heightened accuracy of hair tests ensures that drug history is thoroughly assessed, highlighting their benefit over traditional methods.
Extended Detection Window in Glendale, KY
With the capability to track drug use for up to 90 days, hair follicle tests give employers a deeper understanding of an individual's substance history. This extended detection window is invaluable for assessing long-term patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Glendale, KY
The design of hair follicle tests significantly decreases the chance of sample tampering, offering results that are both credible and difficult to dispute. This robust method guarantees the authenticity of findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Glendale, KY
With centers spread across the country and local facilities in Glendale, accessing testing services is simple and hassle-free. Our widespread locations ensure prompt and accessible testing for everyone.
Simple, Confidential Process in Glendale, KY
The streamlined procedure for ordering, undergoing testing, and receiving outcomes is designed to be confidential and straightforward, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining ease of access.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Glendale, KY
Our competitive pricing models and rapid result times provide businesses of all sizes with value and confidence, ensuring dependable services at reasonable costs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Glendale, KY
The hair follicle drug test offers an unmatched level of precision and swiftness in results. Known for its high accuracy, this method reliably detects any substance use, ensuring results that stay true to the individual's history. Get peace of mind knowing the results reflect an accurate picture.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Glendale, KY
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal issues and bolstering safety. Ensure compliance while promoting a secure environment.
