Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands capture a longitudinal record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair strand develops. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a quarter-year detection span for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assays exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended that the sample be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. When saying head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal steps in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage, where a specimen is incorporated into a lab’s system. This involves confirming that the specimen was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), plus completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid examination for drug abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug consumption in most specimens, but a positive result requires confirmation for courtroom validity. All specimens that screen presumptively positive must undergo subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair might be extracted from the original sample for use in Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair model and the accreditation ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this test actually analyzes the hair strand and not the subdermal hair follicle
Hair follicle testing in Beacon Falls, CT, offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests.
Employers seeking comprehensive insight into substance use trends turn to hair follicle testing in Beacon Falls, CT. With its ability to detect drug use over up to 90 days, this testing method surpasses others in coverage. This extended window is invaluable in assessing both applicants and employees, providing a robust view of their history.
Hair follicle testing in Beacon Falls, CT, stands firm against sample tampering. Compared to other methods, it is exceptionally resistant, offering tamper-proof solutions that ensure reliability. This reduces doubts around the authenticity of results, confirming the test's role as a cornerstone of accurate drug-use detection.
Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience in Beacon Falls, CT, with countless nationwide and local testing centers. This network allows easy access to hair follicle testing services, ensuring quick and efficient processes that meet urgent testing needs in any location.
The process for hair follicle testing in Beacon Falls, CT, is simple and confidential. Ordering, undertaking, and receiving test results is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns effectively. This seamless procedure underscores the test's accessibility while maintaining the individual's privacy and peace of mind.
In Beacon Falls, CT, competitive pricing and quick turnaround times highlight the value of hair follicle tests. Though precise and reliable, these tests are affordable and deliver rapid results, ensuring companies receive excellent service and peace of mind regardless of their size or scale.
In Beacon Falls, CT, hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with speed and precision. Their ability to swiftly deliver results with remarkable accuracy makes them an invaluable tool for substance detection. Individuals and organizations benefit from a testing method that consistently provides clear and reliable results, enhancing trust in its findings.
For employers in Beacon Falls, CT, hair testing is a key tool in maintaining a drug-free workplace. Ensuring compliance with safety policies minimizes legal risks and contributes to a safer work environment. The confidence it brings in adherence to regulations enhances overall workplace harmony and legal peace of mind.
