Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft's fibers. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can reveal a detection history of up to around 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing approximately 200 strands (roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, specialized tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be present, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Procedure Summary
The key phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was securely sealed and appropriately sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data that the electronic chain of custody system did not provide.
Screening is an initial rapid check for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most specimens, a positive result must be validated to be legally viable. Any samples that test positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If the Screening phase indicates a positive result, additional hair is taken from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing one of the most complex methods to undertake.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples presumptively positive undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bethlehem, CT
Hair follicle testing in Bethlehem, CT, outshines urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing identifies persistent substance use efficiently, thus ensuring a more comprehensive screening solution.
Extended Detection Window in Bethlehem, CT
Hair follicle tests provide a comprehensive analysis of substance use spanning up to 90 days. This extended detection period in Bethlehem, CT, allows employers a detailed assessment of an individual's substance history, far surpassing the limitations of other methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bethlehem, CT
In Bethlehem, CT, hair follicle testing presents a tamper-proof approach to drug screening. This method significantly curtails the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring dependable and unquestionable test results for both organizations and individuals.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Centers in Bethlehem, CT
Our expansive network of testing centers covers the nation, including Bethlehem, CT. Accessing hair drug testing is simple and stress-free, guaranteeing individuals and companies convenient and swift service regardless of their location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bethlehem, CT
The process for conducting hair follicle testing in Bethlehem, CT, is streamlined and discreet. From ordering to result delivery, the user experience emphasizes privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns about confidentiality and process transparency.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bethlehem, CT
Our hair follicle testing services in Bethlehem, CT, offer competitive pricing and rapid results. This ensures companies of any size can benefit from excellent value and peace of mind, thanks to efficient processing and cost-effective solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bethlehem, CT
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its speed and precision. In Bethlehem, CT, these tests offer near-instant results with unparalleled accuracy, effectively detecting a wide array of substances. Users benefit from a reliable indication of substance use, providing confidence in test outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bethlehem, CT
Implementing hair follicle testing assures Bethlehem employers of compliance with drug-free policies. This minimizes potential legal troubles and elevates workplace safety, providing peace of mind and a secure working environment.
