Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by sequestering biomarkers in the strands' fibers. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection range reaching roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, it's suggested to collect 150mg of hair. We advise measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If hair from the scalp cannot be obtained, the same amount of body hair can be used as an alternative. Mention of head hair specifically indicates scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory setting are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of inputting a sample into the laboratory's workflow. This process ensures that the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be validated before acceptance in court. Samples that appear positive in Screening undergo a secondary validation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
All positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. Every phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and in alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditations.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.
In Portland, CT, hair follicle drug testing stands out against the traditional urine tests as the superior choice. Its heightened detection accuracy ensures that no substance use goes unnoticed, providing undeniable reliability in results.
The benefits of hair testing over urine tests are evident; while urine tests are limited by a shorter detection window, hair tests provide a deeper insight into substance use history over the past 90 days.
Hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection window, covering up to 90 days of drug use, making it ideal for Portland, CT employers seeking a comprehensive review of an individual’s substance history.
This extended timeframe allows for a more reliable assessment of long-term habits, providing employers with a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's past drug use.
In Portland, CT, hair follicle testing is a highly secure method, significantly lowering the likelihood of sample adulteration. This ensures that results are both reliable and beyond contestation.
The robustness of the hair testing process is vital for maintaining the integrity of the results, assuring that they accurately reflect the true substance use profile of the individual tested.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing solutions across the nation, including local facilities in Portland, CT, facilitating quick and seamless access to drug testing services.
Our widespread network of centers ensures that testing is hassle-free, catering to the needs of individuals and organizations efficiently with minimal effort.
In Portland, CT, the process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. Our approach prioritizes privacy and ease of use at every step.
With a focus on discretion, our testing services reassure individuals of their privacy, granting a stress-free experience from initial contact to the delivery of results.
With competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing offers excellent value in Portland, CT, accommodating companies of all sizes.
Our prompt processing ensures that clients receive results swiftly without compromising on quality or accuracy, providing reassurance and value in every test conducted.
The hair follicle drug test is renowned in Portland, CT for delivering fast, precise, and dependable results. The state-of-the-art technology used in these tests allows for high accuracy in identifying substance use, surpassing traditional testing methods.
With its quick processing time, the hair follicle test ensures that individuals and employers receive accurate results rapidly, aiding in timely decision-making. This efficiency is crucial in maintaining a safe and compliant environment.
Employers in Portland, CT can rest assured that hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and promotes a safe working environment.
By adopting hair testing, companies can enhance their peace of mind, knowing they are safeguarding their workforce while adhering to necessary standards and regulations.
