Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair can provide an extended historical record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 hairs (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is recommended. It is advised to use a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, you may collect a corresponding amount of body hair. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result typically involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning step includes introducing the sample into the lab's system, ensuring it was sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of an initial, rapid test for drugs. Although a cost-efficient method for identifying drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples yielding a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial collection and prepared for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo necessary washes before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test is commonly called a "hair follicle test," but it actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair Follicle Testing vs. Urine Testing
In Halfway, KY, hair follicle testing offers a great advantage over urine tests. With a longer detection period, it provides a more reliable overview of substance use. While urine tests can detect recent usage, hair tests can reveal drug consumption over several months, offering employers a more comprehensive understanding of their employees’ habits.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle tests stand out in Halfway, KY due to their ability to trace drug use for up to 90 days. This extended time frame allows employers to discern long-term patterns in an individual's substance history, granting them a detailed and reliable insight for assessments beyond mere short-term behaviors.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant
One of the highlights of hair follicle tests in Halfway, KY is their resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods prone to sample contamination or alteration, hair tests provide a secure analysis. This feature ensures that test results remain trustworthy and uncontested, strengthening their role in employee assessments.
Wide Network of Testing Centers
Our presence in Halfway, KY guarantees convenience and accessibility with numerous testing locations nationwide. We offer flexible and efficient solutions to meet your testing needs promptly. Enjoy hassle-free access to our services, ensuring seamless integration into your scheduling without unnecessary delays.
Confidential and Simple Testing Process
In Halfway, KY, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private. From ordering to result delivery, each step maintains high confidentiality standards, ensuring that personal data is handled with care. This user-friendly system reduces stress for individuals and organizations alike.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Results
We offer competitive pricing for hair follicle testing in Halfway, KY, ensuring exceptional value for businesses. Alongside our cost-effective solutions, we provide swift turnaround times, enabling companies to act quickly and maintain operational efficiency without excessive expenditure.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests gives them a superior edge in deterring substance abuse in Halfway, KY. Known for their fast and reliable results, these tests can efficiently spot drug traces. By capturing a wider timeline of usage, they ensure higher accuracy than traditional means, providing peace of mind to employers keen on maintaining a drug-free workspace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind
Employers in Halfway, KY benefit from the peace of mind provided by hair follicle tests. Ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, these tests minimize legal risks and enhance safety. By using a method that extends its detection window, businesses can uphold policies effectively and responsibly.
