Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reflect up to around a three-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, comparatively hard to alter, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for evaluating and validating. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it's important to specify scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other forms of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient way to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive result must be corroborated to be valid in legal settings. Samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drug compounds are drawn out from hair at substantially lower concentrations than with alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is among the toughest methods to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests," the assessment actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Windham, CT
Hair follicle testing stands superior to urine testing by offering a broader detection window and higher reliability. Unlike urine tests that only capture recent drug use, hair tests give an extensive overview of a person's substance history, helping employers make more informed hiring decisions.
Extended Detection Window in South Windham, CT
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is unmatched. Capturing drug use for up to 90 days, it provides a thorough historical view. Employers gain insight into long-term substance patterns of potential employees, making it easier to maintain a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Windham, CT
Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, ensuring the integrity of results. With processes that mitigate the risk of adulteration, these tests provide employers with confidence in the reliability of outcomes, making it nearly impossible for subjects to alter samples.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Windham, CT
With our nationwide network of testing centers, obtaining drug tests is simple and hassle-free. Our locations provide quick and convenient access to services, ensuring that clients in South Windham, CT, and beyond can meet their testing needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Windham, CT
The process for undergoing hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, clients can trust in the privacy and ease of the system. This streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Windham, CT
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services cater to businesses of all sizes. Clients benefit from exceptional value and quick responses, enhancing their operational efficiency without overspending.
Fast, Accurate, Reliable Results in South Windham, CT
Hair follicle testing delivers unparalleled precision, speed, and reliability. With high accuracy in substance detection, hair tests provide clear results without delays. Their precision makes them a preferred choice for obtaining dependable outcomes, ensuring that employers and regulatory bodies can make informed decisions swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Windham, CT
Employers can ensure adherence to drug-free policies through hair follicle testing, reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. This reliable testing method provides peace of mind by confirming compliance with industry standards and legal requirements.
