Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying substance use of drugs and alcohol. Hair acts as a long-term record of substance use, capturing markers in its growing strand. When collected near the scalp, it can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent body hair amount can be used. By 'head hair', we specify scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails integrating a sample into the laboratory system, confirming the proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entries not recorded by an electronic custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary examination for substance abuse. Although cost-effective in excluding drug use in most samples, any positive result in Screening requires confirmation for court admissibility. Thus, presumptive positives in Screening need subsequent verification.
For samples with a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction, where drugs are taken from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair testing a challenging procedure.
Confirmation uses methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS for positive screening results. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The entire process is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing
Hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests in Ansonia, CT. The method boasts superior detection precision and reliability, providing a more comprehensive assessment of an individual’s drug-use history, effectively outshining urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window with Hair Testing
In Ansonia, CT, the hair follicle test excels with its prolonged detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This method grants employers a thorough understanding of an employee or applicant's past substance use.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. In Ansonia, CT, these tests provide reliable and unalterable results, ensuring the integrity of the testing process and yielding unquestionable outcomes.
Convenience with Local and Nationwide Testing Centers
Our expansive network of testing centers offers convenient access to services in Ansonia, CT, and nationwide. Enjoy quick and easy testing without hassle, thanks to strategic locations everywhere.
Streamlined and Confidential Process
Experience a simple, confidential testing procedure in Ansonia, CT. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness, easing any concerns about confidentiality.
Cost-Effective Pricing and Quick Results
In Ansonia, CT, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide excellent value. Businesses of any scale can appreciate the affordability and quick service, safeguarding peace of mind.
Fast and Accurate Hair Follicle Drug Testing
When it comes to precision and speed in drug detection, the hair follicle method stands out. In Ansonia, CT, this testing approach delivers swift and accurate results, ensuring employers gain a reliable picture of an individual's substance use.
Compliance Assurance and Employer Peace of Mind
Employers in Ansonia, CT, can depend on hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free workplace regulations. This method mitigates legal risks, fostering a safer and more secure work environment.
