Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extended historical record of substances by encasing biomarkers within the hair fiber during growth. When collected at the scalp, it can grant a roughly three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hairs (akin to a #2 pencil's dimension) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding ten panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is advised for assessing the specimen's weight. If scalp hair isn't present, body hair in equivalent quantity may be used. Scalp hair specifically pertains to head hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory stages for processing drug test results encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample into the laboratory’s network. This stage includes ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and dispatch, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid check for misuse of drugs. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive result is essential for court acceptance. Presumptively positive samples during Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
For samples showing potential positivity in Screening, additional hair from the original specimen undergoes preparation for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive results from screening require Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo necessary washing prior to Confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, as well as ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the process examines the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Norwalk, CT
Hair testing stands superior to urine tests, boasting longer detection windows and more reliable results. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers unparalleled accuracy with comprehensive detection up to 90 days, making it difficult to avoid detection.
Extended Detection Window in Norwalk, CT
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering insights into an individual's longer-term substance use. Employers benefit by having a more thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's past, helping to ensure a trustworthy hiring process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Norwalk, CT
Hair follicle tests are recognized for their resistance to tampering. This method greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the results remain reliable and accurate. This reassurance makes hair testing an effective tool for drug screenings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Norwalk, CT
Access to our testing centers is both quick and convenient, whether in Norwalk or across the nation. These easily reachable facilities provide seamless, worry-free access to critical testing services for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Norwalk, CT
Our testing process is straightforward and maintains confidentiality from order to results. Concerns regarding privacy are addressed through secure methods, ensuring an effortless experience for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Norwalk, CT
Offering competitive pricing and speedy delivery of results, our hair follicle testing provides exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Our services aim to provide economic and efficient solutions for comprehensive substance detection.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Norwalk, CT
Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and rapid delivery of results. The high accuracy of these tests ensures detection of substance use with confidence. The streamlined approach offers services that are efficient and trustworthy, making this method a preferred option for extensive applications.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Norwalk, CT
Employers gain peace of mind through the use of hair follicle testing, which supports strict adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance significantly reduces legal liabilities and contributes to a safer working environment.
