Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of developing hair strands. When extracted near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month window to detect alcohol or drugs. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and allows for easy shipping.
Collecting a 1.5-inch portion, consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferred. It is advised to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, a comparable amount of body hair is an acceptable alternative. When discussing head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is comprised of four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial process of integrating a sample into the laboratory's system. This procedure verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executes any remaining data entry not completed by an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid assessment for identifying drug abuse. While it offers a cost-efficient method to identify drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples identified as presumptively positive through Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
In cases where the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for the Extraction phase. During this stage, substances are removed from hair in concentrations substantially lower than those of other methods (such as urine or saliva), which accounts for hair drug screening being the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny aligned with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the evaluation targets the hair strand and does not include the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Torrington, CT, offers distinct advantages over urine testing. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing drug use history over a 90-day window. Unlike urine tests, hair testing results are difficult to alter, ensuring credible results. The longer detection period ensures a comprehensive substance use profile, beneficial for employers and legal authorities.
Hair follicle testing in Torrington, CT, excels in detecting drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. This vast detection window provides employers a detailed perspective on an individual's substance use history, beyond the scope of typical urine tests. As a result, employers gain a thorough understanding of potential or current employees' drug-use patterns, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Torrington, CT, significantly minimize the likelihood of sample tampering. Due to the nature of hair testing, adulteration is not only challenging but nearly impossible, ensuring the results are reliable and legitimate. Employers and legal entities benefit from the integrity of hair tests, receiving unquestionable results that uphold the credibility of the screening process.
Our testing services in Torrington, CT, are bolstered by convenient nationwide locations, making drug testing easily accessible. With centers spread across various cities, obtaining a test becomes a seamless and straightforward process. This accessibility ensures individuals and employers face minimal hassle in securing reliable drug testing services, enhancing the overall user experience.
The process of hair follicle testing in Torrington, CT, is straightforward and confidential. Our simplified procedure ensures the privacy of individuals while offering an intuitive ordering and test-taking experience. From scheduling a test to receiving results, the entire process is designed to be user-friendly, reducing any potential privacy concerns and easing the overall testing experience.
In Torrington, CT, our hair follicle testing services boast competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring budget-friendly testing without compromising quality or speed. Companies can rely on our services for timely results, which is crucial for maintaining efficient and effective drug test reporting.
In Torrington, CT, hair follicle drug tests stand out with their fast and accurate results. Known for their precision, these tests efficiently detect substance use, making them a reliable choice for employers and legal systems. The hair tests' ability to secure accurate results over extended periods ensures they are trustful and reduces the possibility of errors in substance detection.
For employers in Torrington, CT, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, which enhances workplace safety and reduces legal risks. This reliable testing method offers peace of mind by facilitating a safer work environment, safeguarding employees, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, ultimately fostering a more productive workspace.
