Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Camden, DE

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair testing offers a robust approach to identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair provides an extended record of substance consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair samples are straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.

A 1.5-inch length consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and for screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weight measurement is recommended. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

Laboratory drug test processing comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is incorporated into a lab’s system. It involves checking if the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and filling in missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening involves an initial assessment for drug abuse indicators. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug usage for most specimens, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples considered positive in Screening undergo additional confirmation.

Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. This involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can track drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have shorter detection periods.
• Resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, increasing the reliability of results.
• Historical data provision: It reveals drug usage patterns over time, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

• No detection of recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair following use.
• Cost implications: Hair drug tests are generally more costly than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth variability might influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Proves Superior in Camden, DE

Hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests which may miss certain drug use, hair tests boast superior detection accuracy. Thanks to a vast detection window, hair follicle testing reliably reflects an individual's substance use history, enhancing confidence in test outcomes.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Camden, DE

Hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual's drug use history, offering insights into longer-term patterns of behavior. This makes hair tests invaluable for thorough assessments of substance use among applicants or employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Camden, DE

Hair follicle tests significantly lower the chances of sample tampering, thus ensuring that results are both reliable and indisputable. This robustness in testing methodology protects the integrity of the testing process, providing peace of mind for both employers and institutions requiring stringent substance use policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Services in Camden, DE

Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation ensures accessibility and convenience. Whether in Camden or across the country, individuals can easily access testing services near them, ensuring that the process is quick, efficient, and hassle-free.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Camden, DE

Our testing procedure is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step is handled with care and discretion. This ensures privacy is maintained, fostering user confidence.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Camden, DE

We offer competitive pricing structures paired with fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value. Catering to companies of varying sizes, our affordable rates and speedy results optimize the testing process, keeping businesses efficient and informed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Camden, DE

The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Camden is unparalleled. High Accuracy: These tests reliably detect substance use across various substances, providing trustworthy results. Efficiency: With swift processing, the results are delivered quickly, facilitating prompt decision-making for employers and other stakeholders.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Camden, DE

Implementing hair follicle testing assists employers in maintaining compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety. Hair tests reinforce employers' commitment to a safe, drug-free environment, affording corporate peace of mind.

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