Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of drugs and alcohol by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for initial screening and additional testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When speaking of head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for determining a drug test result comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves verifying that the sample was securely packaged and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for illicit drugs. While Screening is a cost-effective measure for dismissing drug usage across most samples, confirmation is required for a positive screen to be legally valid. Any samples that screen positive presumptively require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Confirming a positive screening outcome is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Stafford, CT, hair follicle testing trumps traditional urine tests due to its superior accuracy and reliability. Hair testing provides extended detection, covering a larger timeframe of drug use.
As such, hair tests are favored for their dependability.
In Stafford, CT, a significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, capturing drug usage over the past 90 days.
Key Advantages:
This method grants employers in-depth insight into employee habits.
Hair follicle tests in Stafford, CT, are virtually tamper-proof, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The collection process ensures integrity, making results reliable and unquestionable.
Why Hair Testing Stands Out:
These aspects make it a trustworthy method.
With testing centers available Nationwide, including Stafford, CT, accessing hair testing is convenient and quick. Our widespread locations ensure ease of access.
Features:
This makes hair follicle testing accessible to all.
In Stafford, CT, the process for hair testing is both simple and confidential, ensuring ease and privacy. Ordering and receiving results is straightforward.
Process Highlights:
This assures individuals of their privacy at every step.
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround in Stafford, CT makes hair testing an affordable and practical choice for businesses of all sizes.
Key Points:
These factors offer outstanding value for employers.
The precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests have greatly benefited Stafford, CT. These tests can quickly identify substance use, making them an accurate and dependable choice.
Benefits include:
The effectiveness of these tests ensures timely and precise detection, making them preferable in Stafford.
For employers in Stafford, CT, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing organizational safety and reducing legal risks.
Advantages include:
Employers gain peace of mind and legal protection with this testing.
