Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage for up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen's weight using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry required beyond what the electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening is an initial, rapid evaluation for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a pragmatic approach to discount drug usage across most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, more hair from the initial sample is utilized for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both CAP’s (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation following ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Hair follicle tests in Kent Acres, DE, offer superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. The accuracy and reliability are unparalleled, capturing drug use history efficiently. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a broad detection window and is nearly impossible to alter, rendering it a preferred choice for discerning drug test outcomes.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle drug testing in Kent Acres, DE, offers an extended monitoring period for detecting drug use, lasting up to 90 days. This comprehensive time frame grants employers detailed insights into the substance usage patterns of candidates or employees, ensuring informed hiring and monitoring decisions for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Kent Acres, DE, hair follicle testing is a robust, tamper-resistant method. This test minimizes sample adulteration risks, providing reliable results that can be trusted without question. By offering a nearly impervious testing method, individuals and organizations can trust in the accuracy and legitimacy of the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
With numerous testing centers spread across the country, including Kent Acres, DE, accessing drug testing services is quick and efficient. This nationwide reach ensures convenience and swift service, making drug testing easy and hassle-free for clients, enhancing accessibility for individuals and organizations needing testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Kent Acres, DE, our approach to hair follicle testing prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. The seamless process encompasses ordering, testing, and receiving results, guaranteeing privacy throughout. Clients can rest assured that their information remains protected, promoting trust and ease of use within the testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Offering competitive pricing and prompt result delivery in Kent Acres, DE, our services provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. The quick turnaround keeps operations running smoothly, delivering vital information swiftly and cost-effectively, making high-standard drug testing accessible to every organization.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Kent Acres, DE, hair follicle tests offer unmatched precision and timely results. The high accuracy of these tests effectively uncovers substance use, providing peace of mind for individuals and organizations alike. The methodology ensures dependable outcomes in both identifying current use and maintaining integrity by minimizing the likelihood of false negatives.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Kent Acres, DE, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It diminishes legal exposures and promotes workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers. This proactive approach not only secures a safe work environment but also aligns organizational practices with legal requirements.