Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting alcohol and drug presence. Hair offers an extended chronology of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand's structure. When harvested near the scalp, hair samples furnish an approximately 3-month detection timeframe for substance usage. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
Collecting a sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (approximate thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for specimen preparation. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. The term "head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is first entered into a laboratory's system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial, cost-effective assessment for drug presence, suitable for the majority of samples. However, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need further verification.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction stage, where drugs are isolated at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screenings is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed pre-confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs in Myers, KY
In Myers, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of detecting drug use with greater precision and reliability. Employers benefit from the broadened detection period, ensuring a thorough background check on prospective or current employees. Hair tests decisively deter attempts to tamper with the results, offering a trustworthy alternative to older methods.
Long-Term Insight with Extended Detection Window in Myers, KY
Hair follicle testing offers an expansive detection window, reaching up to 90 days, pivotal for providing employers a more detailed picture of an individual's substance use history. This capability allows for comprehensive evaluations beyond what shorter-term testing methods can offer, promoting informed decision-making in employment scenarios.
Dependable Tamper-Resistant Method in Myers, KY
The risk of tampering is substantially reduced with hair follicle tests, ensuring that the results remain reliable and credible. Individuals seeking to manipulate outcomes face a formidable challenge, thus preserving the integrity of the testing process and safeguarding against fraudulent practices.
Accessible Nationwide and Local Testing in Myers, KY
Our network of testing centers spans nationwide, offering unparalleled convenience. Located locally in Myers, KY, we provide easy access to stress-free testing services, allowing clients to engage in our offerings without the hassle of extended traveling or complex scheduling.
Simplified and Confidential Testing Process in Myers, KY
Our hair testing methodology in Myers is designed for simplicity and confidentiality, catering to privacy concerns and ease of use. Clients can seamlessly order, take, and receive test results, with a process that's streamlined to meet personal and professional expectations.
Competitive Pricing with Rapid Turnaround in Myers, KY
We deliver value through competitive pricing and fast service times. Businesses of all sizes in Myers can access our high-quality testing services at reasonable rates, ensuring that budgetary constraints do not compromise the need for thorough and efficient drug screening.
Fast and Reliable Results at Your Fingertips in Myers, KY
Utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees swift and dependable outcomes, crucial for detecting substance use with high accuracy. In Myers, our specialized method ensures that both employers and individuals receive comprehensive and precise evaluations, minimizing the wait time typically associated with other types of testing.
Achieving Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Myers, KY
Through the use of hair follicle testing, employers can confidently maintain compliance with drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and bolstering safety in the workplace. This method provides assurance that the drug testing process aligns with regulatory requirements, effectively enhancing the work environment.
