Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have gained recognition as an effective method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to about three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, comprised of roughly 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It’s suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it refers to scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing for a drug test result consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening involves an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While it serves as a cost-effective means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening needs to be verified to be viable in legal contexts. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subjected to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing is particularly advantageous over traditional urine testing in Lyons Plain, CT, due to its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can detect substances recently used, hair tests give a broader picture of an individual's drug history. The ability to trace drug use over a longer span makes hair testing an invaluable tool for employers requiring comprehensive substance assessments.
Employers in Lyons Plain, CT, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which can identify drug use for up to 90 days. This method provides a thorough overview of an employee or candidate's substance history, enabling informed decisions based on a comprehensive drug use profile. The ability to detect drugs over such a period is unmatched by most other testing methods.
In Lyons Plain, CT, hair follicle tests are championed for their tamper-resistant nature, virtually eliminating the risk of sample manipulation. This reliable method assures employers of the test's integrity and the unwavering accuracy of the results, providing certainty that no attempts of sample adulteration will affect the outcome.
Offering extensive reach, our testing centers are conveniently located nationwide, including Lyons Plain, CT. This ensures that individuals and employers can access testing services seamlessly. Our widespread network facilitates quick and simple access to reliable drug testing, setting a high standard in convenience and efficiency.
In Lyons Plain, CT, the process of initiating and completing hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test, undertaking it, to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and simplicity. This assures users of a discreet and uncomplicated experience when engaging in necessary drug testing procedures.
Lyons Plain, CT, sees competitive pricing and swift turnaround times with our hair follicle drug testing services. Offering excellent value, our efficient testing methodologies support businesses of all scales in maintaining essential protocols without incurring high costs, all the while ensuring fast access to critical results.
In Lyons Plain, CT, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their rapidity and precision. They not only detect substance use with high accuracy but also provide swift results, making them an ideal choice in ensuring safety. The technology behind these tests ensures that they remain at the forefront of fast and reliable drug testing methodologies, giving concise insights into an individual's substance use history.
By employing hair follicle testing, employers in Lyons Plain, CT, can easily comply with drug-free workplace mandates. This not only reduces legal risks but also boosts workplace safety. Offering peace of mind, these tests align with regulations and enhance corporate responsibility, reassuring employers of their commitment to a safe environment.
