Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Concordia, KS

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture comprehensive historical data on alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair shaft fibers. When gathered adjacent to the scalp, hair offers about a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

An ideal sample for both screening and confirmation is captured with a 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a number 2 pencil) closest to the scalp, equating to 100mg. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It’s recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other hair types (such as facial, axillary hair, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process of analyzing a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step, involving the integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This stage verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and completes any extra data entry not integrated through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening acts as an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although cost-efficient for eliminating drug usage in most cases, a screen yielding a positive result requires validation to hold in court. Samples detected as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

Upon receiving a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from the hair, albeit at lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, thus making hair drug testing inherently complex.

Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed if needed. The complete procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and in alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests offer detection up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter timeframe of urine tests.
• Hard to cheat: The difficulty in compromising a hair drug test ensures more reliable outcomes.
• Historical usage insight: Hair drug tests reveal usage patterns over time, rather than isolating recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent usage: It takes about 5-7 days post-consumption for drugs to register in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs relative to alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair pigment and personal hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although colloquially termed "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Concordia, KS
Hair testing offers significant advantages over urine tests by delivering superior detection accuracy and reliability. A key benefit is its extended detection period, up to 90 days, compared to the shorter window for urine tests.

Urine Test vs. Hair Test

• Hair tests provide a historical record of substance use.
• Urine tests are limited to recent use detection.

Employers opting for hair tests obtain a more comprehensive overview of substance use behaviors.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Concordia, KS
Hair follicle testing excels in identifying drug use over a substantial period, typically up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers insight into an individual's long-term substance habits.

An expanded detection window ensures a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's drug history, providing crucial data that urine tests with shorter detection spans fail to achieve.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Concordia, KS
Hair follicle drug tests significantly minimize the potential for sample tampering, offering results that are trustworthy and indisputable.

The tamper-resistant nature of hair testing makes it a preferred choice, reducing concerns associated with sample adulteration and providing employers in Concordia with dependable results for crucial decision-making.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Concordia, KS
Our expansive network of testing centers offers unprecedented convenience, making testing services accessible and straightforward.

Whether for local residents in Concordia or nationwide clients, our testing centers ensure prompt, convenient access to hair follicle testing services, streamlining the process for everyone involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Concordia, KS
Ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, putting to rest any concerns surrounding privacy.

With a streamlined process designed for ease, Concordia clients enjoy peace of mind knowing their privacy is safeguarded each step of the way, from test ordering to result delivery.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Concordia, KS
Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering exceptional value to businesses of all sizes.

Businesses in Concordia can rely on our cost-effective solutions, ensuring high-quality testing without breaking the budget, coupled with rapid results for timely decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Concordia, KS
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and rapid outcomes, setting a new standard for drug testing in Concordia. These tests provide highly accurate substance detection, ensuring reliable results every time.

With a focus on precision, hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive approach for detecting various substances. Concordia residents benefit from quick, dependable results, proving this method's reliability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Concordia, KS
Employing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities while enhancing safety.

Benefits for Employers

• Minimizes legal risks linked to drug abuse.
• Enhances workplace safety by identifying long-term drug use.

Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are compliant and fostering a safe environment.

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