Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. Hair encapsulates biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding strand, offering an extended history of alcohol and drug consumption. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal substance usage up to a span of about 90 days. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's advisable to weigh the hair with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be collected. 'Head hair' specifically mentions scalp hair, while 'body hair' covers all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in the lab consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial integration into the lab's system. This step checks that the sample has been properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any supplementary data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit substances. While Screening provides a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, any positive findings must be validated to be considered legally adequate. Samples flagged as potentially positive in Screening necessitate follow-up confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Within this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening results is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples indicated as potentially positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized in alignment with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Poquonock Bridge, CT, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine screening due to its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests provide greater accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests that only capture recent drug use, hair analyses map a comprehensive history, making them invaluable for employers and institutions keen on maintaining a zero-drug tolerance policy.
The extended detection period of hair follicle testing presents a strategic advantage in Poquonock Bridge, CT. Unlike urine tests, which only detect recent drug use, hair tests track substance intake over up to 90 days. This feature offers a fuller picture of an individual's history, enabling informed decisions by employers during hiring or ongoing evaluations.
Hair follicle testing in Poquonock Bridge, CT, diminishes the likelihood of sample meddling. Its design makes it challenging to alter, compared to urine tests, which can be tampered with more easily. This tamper-resistant method ensures that results remain indisputable, supporting accurate readings and enhancing trust in testing procedures.
Accredited Drug Testing offers vast reach with its extensive network of testing facilities nationwide, making it simple for Poquonock Bridge, CT residents to access our services without travel burdens. This extensive availability ensures that communities can benefit from efficient, rapid testing solutions suitable for any requirement.
With Accredited Drug Testing in Poquonock Bridge, CT, the process for securing, completing, and accessing results is straightforward yet deeply confidential. By focusing on user-friendly procedures, we ensure that privacy concerns are minimized, offering peace of mind for users in maintaining control over personal information.
In Poquonock Bridge, CT, our pricing remains competitive, aligning with budgets of companies large and small. Paired with fast turnaround times, our service offers a compelling blend of cost-efficiency and effective delivery. This synergy assures businesses of an excellent value proposition in managing their drug-testing needs.
Amidst the indispensable traits of hair follicle testing is its unrivaled precision and speed in identifying substance use. In Poquonock Bridge, CT, these tests are recognized for their high accuracy, ensuring that results are trustworthy and efficiently delivered. This robust testing methodology offers organizations a reliable way to maintain transparency and uphold standards.
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers in Poquonock Bridge, CT to effortlessly adhere to drug-free policies. This approach not only aligns with legal standards but also boosts workplace safety. Businesses benefit from both compliance certainty and the peace of mind that comes from supporting a healthier, more secure work environment.