Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substance use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to approximately 3 months for drugs and alcohol. The collection of hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests extending beyond 10 panels, a sample comparison of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement of the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Any other hair (facial, axillary, etc.) falls under body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing sequence for a drug test outcome involves four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the sample's initial intake into the lab’s system. It involves ensuring the sample's seal and shipment were intact, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input missing from an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a rapid initial assessment for substance abuse. It is an economical approach for excluding drug use from most samples, although a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation to hold validity in legal contexts. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive result during Screening must undergo subsequent confirmation.
On obtaining a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a concentration lower than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging procedure to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptive positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab course from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes assessment according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Glastonbury, CT
Comparing hair follicle drug tests with traditional urine tests reveals a superior detection capability. Hair tests provide more precise and reliable results, leading to better overview of substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Glastonbury, CT
Hair follicle tests can reveal drug use over a prolonged period of up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Glastonbury, CT
Hair follicle tests are designed to significantly reduce sample tampering, ensuring results that are both dependable and unquestioned.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Glastonbury, CT
Our expansive network of testing centers provides ease of access, ensuring a quick, seamless, and stress-free testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Glastonbury, CT
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private. Ordering, performing tests, and receiving results are kept confidential to safeguard personal privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Glastonbury, CT
Our cost-effective pricing and rapid result delivery provide outstanding value, catering to businesses of diverse sizes with efficiency and assurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Glastonbury, CT
Hair follicle drug tests offer quick, precise results, making them ideal for timely substance detection. Their accuracy ensures reliable identification of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Glastonbury, CT
Employers gain confidence in maintaining a drug-free workplace with hair follicle testing. It ensures compliance with policies, reducing legal risks and boosting safety.
