Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) from the area closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional testing, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair not be obtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for drug test results comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and ensuring any additional data entry requirements beyond those provided electronically via a chain of custody system are fulfilled.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug use on most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In cases where Screening suspects a positive result, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), explaining why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any tentative positive result from screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicated as presumptively positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and according to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wamego, KS
Comparatively, hair follicle testing offers robust benefits over traditional urine tests in Wamego, KS. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy over longer periods, making them a reliable choice for scrutinizing substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Wamego, KS
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Wamego, KS, is unmatched. These tests can reveal drug use over the past 90 days, offering a thorough overview of an individual's substance use, crucial for employers making hiring or retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wamego, KS
Hair follicle tests drastically reduce tampering risks in Wamego, KS. These tests provide dependable and incontestable results by using a sample harder to adulterate than urine, ensuring a trustworthy analysis of substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wamego, KS
With Accredited Drug Testing's widespread network, accessing testing services in Wamego, KS, and nationwide is simple. The numerous locations ensure easy, quick access, making testing processes stress-free and convenient for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wamego, KS
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results in Wamego, KS, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes user privacy while maintaining ease of use, easing concerns regarding handling sensitive information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wamego, KS
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Wamego, KS, provides valuable services that cater to companies of any size. The combination of affordability and speed delivers excellent value and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wamego, KS
Hair follicle testing stands out in Wamego, KS, for its precision and speed. These tests not only identify substance use with remarkable accuracy but also deliver results promptly. This ensures that employers and other agencies can make informed decisions swiftly, enhancing overall efficacy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wamego, KS
Employers in Wamego, KS, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing compliance. This method strengthens adherence to drug-free policies, minimizes legal risks, and enhances workplace safety, fostering a more secure environment.
