Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a historical record of alcohol and other narcotics by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. A jeweler’s scale is suggested to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillin, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not provided by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be verified to be acceptable in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and set for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging method to execute.
Any positive screening result is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples receive a wash before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted 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: Often named "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Superior Detection in Farmington, DE: Hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in accuracy and reliability. While urine tests cover a short time frame, hair assessments extend up to 90 days, offering a broader detection period. This makes hair tests invaluable for employers eager to ensure a comprehensive review of an individual's drug use history.
Beyond the extended detection window, hair testing negates many challenges linked with urine tests, including sample substitution and tampering. Hair samples provide more consistent and reliable data.
Extended Detection Benefits in Farmington, DE: Hair tests excel in identifying drug use over extended periods, often reaching up to 90 days. This expanded detection window offers a detailed perspective on an individual's substance use patterns, making it especially beneficial for employers seeking thorough insights.
Such extended detection is instrumental in ensuring that organizations understand an individual's past drug-related behaviors, aiding in informed decisions about hiring, promotional opportunities, or continued employment.
Reducing Tampering in Farmington, DE: Hair follicle testing provides a powerful solution in minimizing sample adulteration risks. Unlike other testing methods with vulnerabilities, the hair sampling process is structured to mitigate tampering, safeguarding the authenticity of results.
This tamper-proof approach ensures that organizations relying on hair testing receive trustworthy results every time, supporting accurate interpretations and sound decision-making based on real data.
Convenient Testing Access in Farmington, DE: With a network of nationwide centers, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward and hassle-free. No matter where you are, our facilities ensure quick, comprehensive services that cater to your testing needs.
In Farmington, DE, local facilities offer the convenience of easy access while delivering swift and professional testing services. This wide-reaching accessibility ensures seamless testing processes.
Streamlined Process in Farmington, DE: Hair follicle testing is a straightforward and confidential process, from ordering to receiving results. This assurance of privacy, paired with ease of use, addresses any concerns about confidentiality or complexity.
Users can expect a respectful and discreet experience throughout the testing journey, ensuring that personal data and results remain safeguarded, respecting individual privacy rights at every step.
Value for Money in Farmington, DE: Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, our hair follicle tests are designed with affordability in mind, catering to businesses of varying sizes. This combination provides companies excellent value.
Quick results not only save time but also translate to cost savings, enhancing efficiency and supporting smart resource allocation for organizations conscious of their budgetary constraints.
Fast Results in Farmington, DE: Hair follicle testing provides rapid and precise substance use detection. Its high accuracy ensures that employers and individuals receive reliable results quickly. This swiftness and precision streamline the decision-making process, making it an optimal choice for many in Farmington.
With fast turnaround times, organizations can respond promptly, facilitating timely interventions and appropriate actions. The speed and precision of hair follicle tests are crucial in a fast-paced world where time equals money.
Employer Compliance in Farmington, DE: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps organizations adhere to strict drug-free workplace policies. This compliance reduces potential legal risks and contributes to a safer work environment, providing peace of mind for employers and employees alike.
By maintaining rigorous standards with hair testing, companies can foster a proactive stance towards safety, enhancing overall workplace morale and minimizing substance-related hazards.