Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Acknowledged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by capturing markers within the hair's growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over a period of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG additions and/or tests examining over 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair is an alternative. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair; body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result primarily involves four procedures: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This includes ensuring the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any complementary data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary examination for any drug abuse signs. Although Screening is an economical approach for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive finding must be substantiated for court acceptance. Any samples with presumptive positives in Screening warrant additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positively during the Screening process, further strands are extracted from the prime specimen and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the challenge of performing hair drug testing.
The affirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory course from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed following both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", what is examined is the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Canaan, CT, lies in its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests can detect drug use over the past 90 days, offering a broader timeframe compared to the limited window of urine tests. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it a more effective choice, reducing false negatives and false positives often associated with urine testing.
The Extended Detection Window in Canaan, CT, offered by hair follicle testing, spans up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe provides employers with a detailed account of an individual's past drug use, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of their substance history. This insight is invaluable in ensuring an honest and transparent hiring process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Canaan, CT, is a cornerstone of hair follicle testing, vastly minimizing risks of sample tampering. Unlike other methods, hair tests provide reliable, tamper-proof results, establishing a high level of trust in the testing outcomes, which is crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures.
In Canaan, CT, the Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations enhance accessibility. Our network of testing centers ensures that individuals can quickly and effortlessly access our services, providing a seamless and stress-free experience. Localized facilities in Canaan further simplify the process, catering to the needs of the community.
The Simple, Confidential Process in Canaan, CT, ensures a straightforward experience while maintaining confidentiality. From ordering tests to receiving results, privacy is prioritized, ensuring a comfortable and secure process for individuals and employers alike, thus addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Canaan, CT, are vital components of our service, providing excellent value. Our competitive pricing structures combined with quick result delivery offer substantial benefits for organizations, regardless of their size, ensuring efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are vital in Canaan, CT, with hair follicle drug tests providing quick and precise detection of substances. Their accuracy is unmatched, ensuring confidence in the results. This precision facilitates critical decision-making for employers, supporting their ability to maintain a trustworthy and safe working environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Canaan, CT, comes from the assurance provided by hair follicle testing. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies is crucial, and hair testing ensures compliance, mitigating legal risks. This method upholds safety standards, fostering a secure and law-abiding work environment.
