Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can offer an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If hair from the scalp can't be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, this refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for lab analysis of a drug test result consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally admissible. Samples that yield presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positives from the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug testing is the most complicated method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the comprehensive lab process is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug detection in Norfolk, CT, hair follicle testing supersedes the traditional urine test. Its major advantage is the superior detection accuracy, as it can identify substances long after they've been ingested. This method not only demonstrates higher reliability but also extends the detection window, encompassing 90 days of substance history compared to much shorter urine tests.
For employers with zero-tolerance policies, the hair test emerges as a method that reduces the chances of false negatives, giving reassurance with improved testing integrity. Its ability to trace long-term drug use, rather than recent intake, puts it a step above urine tests, which are generally limited to a few recent days of detection.
Hair follicle testing is revolutionary in providing an extended detection window for drug use, up to 90 days, offering a broader insight into an individual's substance history. For employers in Norfolk, CT, this means a more comprehensive evaluation of potential or current employees, assessing not just immediate but long-term drug use patterns.
The extended detection capability is crucial in ensuring ongoing adherence to company policies. This method surpasses urine in evaluating long-stay drug metabolites, delivering an unmatched perspective on substance use over several months, a key factor for organizations aiming to maintain stringent workplace regulations.
In Norfolk, CT, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing sets it apart, minimizing the chances of sample adulteration. This testing method strengthens reliability as altering or substituting samples becomes significantly challenging. As a result, the integrity of the test is well preserved, ensuring unquestionable results that employers trust.
The robustness of hair follicle testing lies in its collection process and sample type, which deter common attempts to falsify results. Highly resistant to deceit, this method is favored by those seeking authentic results in drug testing environments, offering peace of mind that is unrivaled by more conventional testing methods.
Finding convenient and accessible testing services in Norfolk, CT, is hassle-free with our nationwide testing centers. We ensure that regardless of your location, a reliable testing center is within reach, streamlining the testing process for both individuals and companies.
Our widespread availability facilitates quick and easy access to drug testing services, removing barriers and ensuring swift service delivery that matches your timeline.
Our drug testing process in Norfolk, CT is simple and confidential, designed to respect your privacy while ensuring efficient service. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are all streamlined to remove complexities.
Privacy concerns are addressed with strict adherence to confidentiality guidelines, ensuring a discreet yet effective approach to drug testing, catering to your needs with minimal intrusion.
In Norfolk, CT, our hair follicle testing is not only precise but also affordable, providing a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes. We pride ourselves on competitive pricing structures that do not compromise on quality, ensuring excellent value.
Coupled with our fast turnaround times, our services meet the demands of time-sensitive operational needs, offering peace of mind knowing that pertinent results are just a short wait away, significantly enhancing decision-making processes.
The hair follicle drug test offers precision and speed unmatched by other testing methods. In Norfolk, CT, this method is celebrated for its high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing results quickly and efficiently. Employers rely on this test for its definitive outcomes. Its rapidity doesn't compromise its dependability, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive situations.
Employers and stakeholders seek prompt, reliable results, and hair follicle testing delivers just that. The test's methodical approach in confirming substance use ensures that results are consistent and dependable. In employing advanced techniques, this test outpaces others, affirming its trustworthiness in Norfolk's testing landscape.
For Norfolk employers, embracing hair follicle testing means not only compliance with drug-free policies but also a heightened sense of security. This method mitigates legal risks while enhancing workplace safety through its dependable detection window, extending up to 90 days.
Implementing this testing system can assure employers of meeting stringent industry standards, instilling trust in maintaining a clean workforce. The use of hair tests fortifies company policies, reducing ambiguities related to recent drug testing histories and ensuring a secure working environment.
