Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Evaluating drug and alcohol use via hair testing is now seen as an effective method. Hair stores long-term evidence of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, it offers a detection timeline of about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tampering with it is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, extended tests, and/or beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug testing sample include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves confirmation that the sample was securely sealed and sent, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data required beyond what an electronic custody chain provides.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit substances. Although Screening serves as a budget-friendly approach to rule out drug use in most cases, any positive findings must be confirmed to hold up in legal settings. Samples testing positive in Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drug compounds are isolated from the hair in much lower amounts than in urine or oral fluid methods, contributing to hair drug testing's complexity.
Confirmation of any positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positive outcomes are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes a review per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, as well as ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Pemberwick, CT, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests capture current usage, hair tests offer a comprehensive view of substance use over a more extended period. This capability renders them more robust, particularly for evaluating long-term patterns, hence increasing preventative effectiveness for employers and authorities.
In Pemberwick, CT, hair follicle testing shines due to its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, this method offers employers a detailed view of an individual's substance history. Such an extensive detection period is unparalleled and vital for making informed decisions regarding potential or existing employees.
Hair follicle testing in Pemberwick, CT, stands out as a tamper-resistant method. It significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing reliable and unquestionable results. This robust testing process assures both employers and individuals that the outcomes are uncontaminated and genuine, maintaining the integrity of the testing program.
In Pemberwick, CT, the convenience of our nationwide testing centers ensures quick, easy, and accessible services. Local facilities provide hassle-free access to testing, accommodating the needs of both individuals and employers and ensuring that essential drug testing is always within reach, no matter the location.
The process for hair follicle testing in Pemberwick, CT, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, every step is designed with privacy in mind. This simplicity provides peace of mind to clients, ensuring they receive conclusive results without complexity or security risks.
In Pemberwick, CT, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times offer great value for companies of all sizes. Our affordable testing options enable organizations to maintain drug-free workplaces without straining budgets, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and timely results.
Hair follicle drug tests in Pemberwick, CT, provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. Our testing procedures ensure high precision, effectively detecting historical substance use. Whether for employment screening or legal requirements, our tests deliver timely and accurate insights into an individual's substance behavior, offering clarity and assuredness in results.
Using hair follicle testing in Pemberwick, CT, ensures employers comply with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. This testing method, known for its reliability, offers peace of mind that employees adhere to company standards, fostering a secure and productive work environment.