Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New Milford, CT

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and drugs of up to roughly three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to dispatch.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's database. This ensures the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs an initial rapid check for abusive drugs. As a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive Screening test requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that show a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to conduct.

Any positive Screening result is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can ascertain drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection window.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It presents a pattern of drug use throughout a period of time, not merely recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after around 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand and not on the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in New Milford, CT, significant benefits emerge. Hair testing surpasses urine testing in detection accuracy, providing a comprehensive view of drug use history. Superior reliability and a longer detection window make hair tests the choice for discerning employers.

• Provides enhanced accuracy in substance detection.
• Offers reliable and consistent results over time.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in New Milford, CT, provides a crucial advantage for employers seeking to understand an applicant's or employee's substance use history. Capable of detecting drug use up to 90 days back, it offers a detailed view into ongoing habits or past occurrences, surpassing traditional testing methods significantly.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle test's tamper-resistant nature in New Milford, CT, greatly mitigates the risk of sample adulteration. Reliable and unquestionable results ensure an accurate view of substance use, reinforcing the test method's integrity and dependability.

• Drastically reduces chances of complex sample manipulation.
• Protection against adulteration ensures data accuracy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our comprehensive network ensures that testing in New Milford, CT, and nationwide is convenient and accessible. With centers readily available, quick and hassle-free access to testing services means individuals can easily undergo testing at their nearest location.

• Convenient nationwide network and local centers.
• Streamlined processes ensure minimal delay in testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

In New Milford, CT, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, privacy is upheld throughout, addressing any client concerns regarding the procedure while ensuring ease of access and discreet communication.

• Maintains confidentiality at every step.
• Ensures a straightforward and uncomplicated experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in New Milford, CT, delivers excellent value with fast turnaround. Designed to suit companies of any size, the pricing structure is affordable, ensuring peace of mind with a rapid response for substance use evaluation.

• Affordable options provide great value.
• Quick turnaround supports prompt decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test in New Milford, CT, stands out for its speed and precision in delivering results. High accuracy in identifying substance use is a key advantage, ensuring that individuals receive reliable information promptly. The methodology incorporated in hair testing ensures results that are both quick and dependable, confirming its status as a powerful option for drug detection needs.

• The test's precision ensures confidence in results.
• Rapid turnaround is integral to this testing method's appeal.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In New Milford, CT, hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It aligns with regulations, lowering legal risks while enhancing safety and assurance for employers, contributing to a more secure work environment.

• Ensures adherence to compliance laws and practices.
• Provides peace of mind through reliable testing.

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