Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by retaining biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal usage of alcohol and drugs for up to roughly three months. It is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10-panel screens, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for analyzing a drug test result includes four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally acceptable. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is particularly complex to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed as required before confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," this test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Craftsbury, VT: Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing thanks to its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests can identify drug presence over a broader timeline, offering more detailed substance use insights.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests provide enhanced reliability, presenting results that are much more difficult to manipulate or deceive.
Craftsbury, VT: One of the remarkable benefits of hair follicle testing is the extended detection window. Hair tests can identify drug use across an impressive duration of up to 90 days.
This extended observation period permits employers to garner a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance habits, potentially informing pivotal hiring decisions.
Craftsbury, VT: The resilience of hair follicle testing against adulteration is noteworthy. It reduces the probability of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and trustworthy outcomes.
Such resistance to tampering significantly elevates the credibility of hair testing, making it a preferred method for many organizations seeking infallible results.
Craftsbury, VT: Accredited Drug Testing centers nationwide guarantee swift and convenient access for testing needs. Our widespread locations simplify the process of undergoing drug testing, just around the corner.
Leveraging our extensive network, clients experience hassle-free testing, streamlining compliance and alleviating logistical challenges.
Craftsbury, VT: Conducting hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and private. The entire process, from test ordering to receiving results, prioritizes confidentiality and simplicity.
Concerns about privacy and ease of use are addressed, maintaining the dignity and brevity of the testing process for all parties involved.
Craftsbury, VT: Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures complemented by rapid result processing. Our swift turnaround times ensure clients receive value without compromising on quality.
Businesses, irrespective of size, benefit from affordable drug testing solutions that promise both financial prudence and peace of mind.
Craftsbury, VT: In the realm of drug testing, hair follicle tests stand out for their exemplary precision and speed. Such tests are renowned for their high accuracy, efficiently identifying traces of substance use.
Employing hair follicle tests ensures not only accurate findings but swift results as well, facilitating timely decision-making processes for employers and other stakeholders.
Craftsbury, VT: By integrating hair follicle testing, businesses can confidently ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Such tests mitigate legal vulnerabilities while fortifying workplace safety.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that the integrity of their work environment is preserved through consistent and compliant testing measures.
