Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged record by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is easy, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment containing about 200 strands of hair, roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil, closest to the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred amount for screening and verification. To conduct EtG tests, add-ons, or screens exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, equivalent body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it signifies scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other hair kinds (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Processing a drug test result in a lab involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation as primary steps.
Accessioning signifies the initial entry of a sample into the lab's system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the specimen, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry not covered by electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for illicit drugs. Though it's economical for ruling out drug presence in many samples, a positive screen needs confirmation for court admittance. Samples indicating presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
A presumptive positive in the Screening phase leads to extracting more hair from the original sample for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing notably challenging.
Confirmation follows screening, involving GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all positive screenings are washed as required. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed for CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Bridgeport, CT offers enhanced detection accuracy and dependability. The longer detection window and difficulty in tampering make hair tests highly reliable. Employers and legal entities prefer it for its superior ability to track historical drug use, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's habits.
Extended Detection Window
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Bridgeport, CT is its ability to identify drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers to gain thorough insights into an employee or candidate’s substance use history, offering a clearer picture of their long-term drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing in Bridgeport, CT significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. The nature of hair testing ensures samples are robust against manipulation, providing reliable and indisputable results. This makes hair tests a preferred choice for employers and judicial bodies seeking trustworthy results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our widespread testing network includes locations in Bridgeport, CT, providing quick and seamless access to testing services. With centers across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that individuals and corporations have hassle-free access to required tests, no matter where they are located.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Bridgeport, CT, our drug testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to submitting samples and receiving results, we prioritize privacy and user-friendliness, ensuring a stress-free experience while respecting the confidentiality of all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Bridgeport, CT, our hair follicle drug tests offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. Designed to provide excellent value, this service ensures that businesses of any size can benefit from reliable testing without financial strain, receiving prompt results for timely decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Bridgeport, CT, our hair follicle tests provide rapid results with unmatched precision. Utilizing advanced technology, they detect substance use with high accuracy, ensuring dependable outcomes for all stakeholders. These tests stand out for their efficiency, rapidly delivering results to maintain the safety and productivity of workplaces and communities.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Hair follicle testing in Bridgeport, CT helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and improving safety. By utilizing this method, companies can confidently uphold their zero-tolerance stances, fostering a safe and secure work environment for all employees.
