Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a significant method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair strands capture biomarkers along their fibers, providing a long-term record of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, they can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
To obtain the ideal 100mg sample for analysis, a 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands, or the thickness of a #2 pencil, is recommended. For tests such as EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair should be collected. Note that head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results consists of four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of entering a sample into a lab system. It involves confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drug abuse. While economical for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive finding requires confirmation for legal admissibility, with presumptive positives needing further verification.
A presumptive positive in Screening necessitates further hair from the initial sample for Extraction. This phase retrieves drugs at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing particularly challenging.
Positive screening confirmations are done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if needed. The full process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing in Auburn, KY, reveals superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests capture a longer usage history, reducing the chance of false negatives. With hair samples minimally affected by external factors, the results remain consistently dependable, offering a more comprehensive substance use profile compared to urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Auburn, KY, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a detailed view of an individual's substance use history, even beyond recent events. By examining a larger timeframe, companies can make informed decisions based on their long-term substance habits, rather than just short-term behavior.
In Auburn, KY, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly lowering the possibility of sample manipulation. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are collected under observation, making them less susceptible to adulteration. This increases the confidence in test results, ensuring they reflect true and unaltered substance use data.
Offering convenient nationwide testing locations, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to testing services in Auburn, KY. Our widespread network facilitates quick and hassle-free testing, enabling clients to undergo hair follicle screenings without delays. Local centers provide accessibility, ensuring testing requirements are met efficiently.
The process of hair follicle testing in Auburn, KY, is simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and result retrieval, the procedure respects privacy and assures ease of use. Clients can be confident in the discreet handling of their information while benefitting from a streamlined testing experience.
Accredited Drug Testing in Auburn, KY, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring value without compromising on service quality. Quick result delivery enables businesses to make timely and informed decisions with cost-effectiveness in mind.
In Auburn, KY, hair follicle drug testing stands out for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests ensures that employers receive clear insights into an individual's substance use history. In contrast to other methods, hair testing offers a higher degree of accuracy, enhancing the credibility of the results and allowing for swift decision-making in employment contexts.
Employers in Auburn, KY, find compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By facilitating adherence to workplace drug-free policies, these tests help reduce legal risks and enhance safety. Employers can rest assured knowing that the chosen testing method aligns with regulations while promoting a secure working environment.
