Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of approximately 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four major steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is concerned with the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing extra data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Though screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated to be legally valid. Any samples that preliminarily test positive during screening demand a further confirmation.
If a sample tentatively tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual examination is done on the hair strand, not on the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Plainfield Village, CT
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the former stands out with its superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive detection window and are less prone to falsification, allowing for a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Plainfield Village, CT
Through hair follicle testing, employers gain a window into drug use spanning up to 90 days. This extended detection capability offers a more comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's substance history, ensuring informed decision-making for safer workplace environments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Plainfield Village, CT
The risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized with hair follicle testing. This method provides reliable and unquestionable results, ensuring that you receive genuine data for better safety and compliance in the workplace.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Plainfield Village, CT
Our nationwide testing centers ensure easy access to testing services. Clients in Plainfield Village and beyond can experience quick, hassle-free testing processes, meeting their requirements conveniently and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Plainfield Village, CT
The streamlined and confidential process of ordering, performing, and receiving results relieves privacy concerns. Users can trust in the security and ease of this procedure, enjoying peace of mind with every test.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Plainfield Village, CT
Our competitive pricing structures, coupled with swift turnaround times, offer excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from efficient, cost-effective testing, ensuring peace of mind without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Plainfield Village, CT
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed. Known for their high accuracy, these tests effectively detect substance use, ensuring timely and reliable results for all your testing needs in Plainfield Village. Their sophisticated methodology distinguishes them as a superior choice for fast and precise substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Plainfield Village, CT
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing reduces legal risks and enhances safety, giving employers peace of mind and supporting a secure and efficient working environment.
