Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to around a three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and conveniently shipped.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen within a laboratory setting. This consists of ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entries not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation during Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to implement.
Confirming positive screening results is performed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo a cleansing process before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hillview, KY - Compared to urine tests, hair follicle drug testing exhibits superior detection and accuracy. With a broader detection window and reliability, hair testing offers a detailed picture of drug use, whereas urine tests might miss certain instances.
Extended Detection Window in Hillview, KY - Hair follicle tests in Hillview are unmatched for their ability to identify drug use over prolonged periods, up to 90 days. This gives employers insight into an individual's long-term substance habits, offering a more comprehensive view than shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hillview, KY - Hair follicle tests stand out for their resilience to tampering. Their structure significantly reduces the potential for sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and trustworthy, a crucial factor for institutions and employers.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hillview, KY - With testing centers spread across the nation and locally in Hillview, access to our services is seamless and hassle-free. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and businesses can conveniently conduct necessary drug screenings.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hillview, KY - Our process is designed for ease and discretion, from ordering to testing and receiving results. Ensuring privacy and simplicity, the hair follicle testing procedure addresses any personal concerns related to confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hillview, KY - In Hillview, our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery make hair follicle testing an economical choice for businesses. We offer excellent value, with quick results, benefiting companies of various scales.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hillview, KY - Hair follicle testing in Hillview offers swift and precise results, setting it apart from other methods. The tests provide high accuracy, firmly detecting substance use and ensuring reliable outcomes, making them highly sought after for verification processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hillview, KY - Implementing hair follicle testing ensures that employers in Hillview maintain drug-free workplaces. These tests help businesses comply with legal standards and reduce liability risks, creating a safer working environment.
