Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance intake by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month period of detection for alcohol and substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp supplies 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to determine the weight of the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial sample handling within a lab’s infrastructure. This step involves confirming correct sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid check for substances of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening outcome must be validated for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening demand a secondary verification.
When a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. At this point, drugs are retrieved from hair but at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair screening the hardest method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often misnamed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
For those in Greenville, DE, hair follicle testing is the preferred method over urine testing when it comes to drug detection. It offers superior accuracy and reliability, ensuring a broader detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair testing catches a wider history of drug use, providing clearer insights for employers. The increased reliability makes it a valuable tool for maintaining a drug-free environment in professional settings.
Hair follicle testing in Greenville, DE, provides an extended detection window for identifying drug usage, covering up to 90 days. This prolonged detection period aids employers in comprehensively evaluating an individual’s substance use history. By using hair tests, they gather thorough insights into past behavior, which aids in informed decision-making for both current employees and potential hires.
Opting for hair follicle tests in Greenville, DE, significantly decreases the risk of tampering with results. This method boasts a tamper-resistant nature, ensuring integrity and reliability. Unlike urine samples, hair specimens provide a robust defense against adulteration, ensuring that results are both trustworthy and defensible, offering peace of mind to those relying on them.
Our extensive network of testing centers offers convenience and accessibility for those in Greenville, DE. Nationwide locations ensure seamless access to our testing services, providing quick and easy solutions. This widespread availability means no delays in obtaining necessary tests, making it a hassle-free experience for conducting thorough drug assessments.
In Greenville, DE, the simple and confidential nature of hair follicle testing is upheld through straightforward processes. Ordering and receiving results is handled with utmost discretion, addressing any concerns regarding privacy. The procedure ensures ease of use, and quick, secure access to results, which respects individual confidentiality at all stages.
Greenville, DE residents benefit from affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. We offer competitive rates, making drug testing accessible for businesses of any scale. Our quick delivery of results provides significant value, aligning speed with cost-effectiveness, which enhances decision-making and financial stewardship for companies.
In Greenville, DE, hair follicle drug tests are known for their rapid and precise results. Speed and accuracy are some of the attributes that make hair tests superior. They provide reliable detection of substance use, ensuring that results are trustworthy and timely. Clients can rely on these tests for their exactness in substance detection, allowing for quick decision-making without compromising quality.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Greenville, DE, supports compliance and peace of mind for employers. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, this method helps reduce legal liabilities while enhancing workplace safety. Employers can confidently manage their workforce, knowing they’re maintaining a safe, compliant, and legal working environment through reliable drug testing methods.
