Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by holding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When collected close to the scalp, a hair sample offers up to a three-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is lacking, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. When discussing head hair, it is specifically scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the sample's initial processing into the laboratory's system. It confirms the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and incorporates any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally valid. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a presumptive positive appears during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screen result takes place using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The whole laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the supervision of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair testing distinguishes itself significantly over urine tests in West Simsbury, CT. With its superior accuracy, hair analysis reveals a more comprehensive history of substance use. This proven reliability surpasses traditional urine tests, which can be limited by shorter detection spans and ease of manipulation. With hair tests, stakeholders gain a truer understanding of an individual's habits.
In West Simsbury, CT, a hair follicle evaluation can trace drug use over an extensive period, reaching up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to obtain an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance use history. Providing this broader perspective aids informed decision-making regarding prospective or current employees, enhancing recruitment processes and workplace security.
Hair follicle testing in West Simsbury, CT, offers a robust defense against tampering, ensuring result integrity. By minimizing opportunities for sample adulteration, these tests deliver reliable outcomes that can withstand scrutiny. This feature distinguishes hair tests as a superior method for maintaining the credibility of substance use evaluations, crucial for stringent regulatory and safety requirements.
West Simsbury, CT, benefits from the accessibility of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities, ensuring the process is both quick and hassle-free. This widespread availability offers immense convenience, allowing individuals and organizations to access necessary testing services promptly without the stress of extended travel or complicated logistics.
In West Simsbury, CT, ordering, undergoing, and receiving results for a hair follicle test is a straightforward and confidential process. Ensuring privacy and ease of use, this streamlined procedure addresses any concerns regarding confidentiality, providing an uncomplicated solution for individuals and businesses seeking reliable drug and alcohol testing services.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in West Simsbury, CT, hair follicle testing represents an excellent value proposition. It offers affordable solutions for companies of various sizes while ensuring timely results, delivering financial and operational peace of mind to organizations seeking dependable substance use evaluations.
In West Simsbury, CT, the efficiency and precision of hair follicle tests offer unparalleled results. These tests are not only swift in execution but also deliver exceptionally accurate findings. The methodology employed ensures that substance use is detected reliably, offering stakeholders confidence in their results, reinforcing decision-making in various settings that rely on these tests for assurance.
Employers in West Simsbury, CT, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which aligns seamlessly with drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only helps in avoiding legal complications but also enhances workplace security. Ensuring compliance through reliable testing procedures can significantly reduce risks and contribute to a safer, more productive work environment.
