Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands capture a lengthy historical record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the fiber of the developing hair shaft. When taken from the scalp area, hair may offer an estimated 3-month timeframe for detecting drug and alcohol use. It is straightforward to gather, moderately hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg, the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of entering a specimen into the lab's system, which entails confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary analysis for drug abuse. While it is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Each sample that tests presumptively positive during Screening mandates further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations versus other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate method to undertake.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation if required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Excels over Urine Testing in Rocky Hill, CT is simple. Hair testing offers improved detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine methods. Employers benefit from the longer detection window and definitive results.
Comparing Methods: While urine tests can reveal recent drug use, hair tests provide a more comprehensive assessment, detecting usage over a prolonged period.
In Rocky Hill, CT, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is unparalleled. It gives employers a broader spectrum of an individual's substance history, typically covering up to 90 days.
Employers attain a more detailed understanding of an applicant’s or employee's substance usage through the extended time frame that hair follicle tests offer.
Rocky Hill, CT's hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage: a tamper-resistant methodology. This ensures that sample integrity is maintained, providing irrefutable results.
Manipulating hair samples is challenging, making the test results consistent and reliable. This reduces concerns over adulteration or false results.
Convenience is paramount at our Rocky Hill, CT testing facilities. Our nationwide network allows for easy and efficient access to hair follicle test services, catering to local and national needs.
With locations readily available, testing is streamlined, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations while maintaining high service standards.
In Rocky Hill, CT, the hair testing process is straightforward and secure. From ordering to receiving results, confidentiality is upheld, easing concerns about privacy.
The process is designed with user ease in mind, ensuring a seamless and confidential experience from start to finish.
Rocky Hill, CT offers cost-effective pricing for hair follicle tests, boasting a quick turnaround. Companies of all sizes benefit from exceptional value and swift results.
The competitive pricing model, coupled with rapid processing times, makes it an attractive option for enterprises seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
In Rocky Hill, CT, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate results. Their precision in determining substance use is unmatched, offering a robust method for confirming drug and alcohol consumption.
The reliability of hair follicle tests lies in their capability to provide swift results. They excel in pinpointing longstanding substance use, positioning them as a superior choice for accurate detections.
Employers in Rocky Hill, CT can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies effortlessly using hair follicle testing. This mitigates legal risks and enhances overall safety, providing peace of mind.
The implementation of hair testing assures strict adherence to zero-tolerance policies, reinforcing employer and employee protection.