Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol use. The fibers in hair strands capture biomarkers, offering a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug consumption. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol exposure for an estimated 3-month period. The collection process is straightforward, hard to alter, and easily transportable.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or over 10 panels tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample’s initial entry into a lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample's seal and appropriate shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening serves as an initial examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening efficiently excludes drug presence in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive must undergo secondary verification.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation of a presumptive positive result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete process from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug tests in Rockville, CT, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in several ways. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it a top choice. While urine tests offer quick results, hair tests provide more detailed and trustworthy insights into long-term drug use, ensuring more confident decision-making for employers.
In Rockville, CT, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, often up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history. Hair tests provide a thorough assessment of drug use over time, giving businesses the knowledge needed to make informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Rockville, CT, is highly tamper-resistant. The method drastically reduces the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring test results are reliable and indisputable. It offers peace of mind to both employers and employees that the testing process is fair and accurate, thus maintaining the integrity of the drug screening procedure.
Convenience is key with our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Rockville, CT. Our nationwide presence ensures that accessing testing services is seamless and straightforward. Whether locally in Rockville or across the country, quick and hassle-free service is guaranteed, accommodating various testing needs effectively.
The process of hair follicle testing in Rockville, CT, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, confidentiality is preserved throughout, addressing privacy concerns with ease. Our straightforward approach ensures participants are at ease, knowing their information is handled with the utmost care and discretion.
In Rockville, CT, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that companies can access high-quality testing without financial strain. Coupled with swift results delivery, we provide valuable service, catering to organizations of diverse scales.
In Rockville, CT, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests are exceptionally accurate in identifying substance use, providing results that employers can trust. Compared to other methods, hair testing is not only swift but also ensures an unparalleled level of dependability, making it a preferred choice in drug screening.
Employers in Rockville, CT, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. Implementing this method not only secures adherence to regulations but also promotes a safer environment, contributing to employer peace of mind.