Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. It offers a comprehensive timeline of substances by incorporating biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When sourced near the scalp, it provides a maximum detection timeframe of approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample weight for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It’s prudent to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, there is the alternative of collecting an equivalent volume of body hair. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entries if not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for potential drug use. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires subsequent Confirmation for validation in legal scenarios. Any sample showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitates a secondary Confirmation test.
Upon a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the source sample for Extraction. This process involves drug extraction from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or saliva), indicating why hair drug testing is notably challenging.
Confirmation for any positive outcome from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positives undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is certified according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Middletown, DE
While traditional urine tests have served as a popular drug detection method, hair follicle testing offers several advantages. It delivers superior detection accuracy and reliability, as it identifies substances over a more extended period, up to 90 days. This gives employers in Middletown a better understanding of an individual's substance use history, whereas urine tests primarily detect recent use.
Extended Detection Window in Middletown, DE
The ability of hair follicle tests to trace drug use up to 90 days back offers a broader view of an individual's habits. This extended detection period is crucial for employers who require a comprehensive insight into the applicant or employee's substance history. It provides a clearer picture of long-term drug use trends, supporting informed decision-making in hiring and management practices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Middletown, DE
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, substantially reducing the possibility of sample alteration. This reliability is achieved through secure and observed collection procedures, ensuring the integrity of the sample. Employers and legal professionals in Middletown can rely on the uncontested results that hair tests provide, safeguarding the accuracy of the testing process and reducing the risks of biased outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Middletown, DE
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Middletown, ensures easy access for all your testing needs. This wide reach allows individuals and businesses to benefit from quick and hassle-free services. Whether you're located in a bustling city or a small town, our commitment to accessibility guarantees that reliable drug testing is always within reach.
Simple, Confidential Process in Middletown, DE
Our drug testing procedure is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step assures privacy and ease. Clients in Middletown can trust in a process that respects their concerns about confidentiality while providing straightforward and understandable results, ensuring a seamless testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Middletown, DE
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with swift turnaround times, providing great value for businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients while guaranteeing prompt results. This commitment to affordability and efficiency positions us as a preferred choice for drug testing in Middletown, DE.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Middletown, DE
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their high precision in identifying substance use. These tests provide quick and trustworthy outcomes, ensuring the most accurate assessment of drug use. With meticulous processes, the speed, and reliability of hair testing stand unmatched, offering peace of mind for those needing detailed insights into substance intake.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Middletown, DE
Incorporating hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This method mitigates legal risks while promoting a safer work environment. By choosing hair testing, organizations in Middletown enhance their compliance efforts and secure their workplace against potential substance-related incidents, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility.
