Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance intake by capturing markers within the strands. When harvested near the scalp, it can indicate a consumption window of about 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to mail.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (around the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both testing and confirmation. For EtG, extended tests, and panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. Mention of head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial and underarm).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result comprises four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s processes. This step verifies the sample’s secure seal and proper shipment, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entries absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening includes a rapid initial assessment for substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to eliminate most sample's drug use, a positive result must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Samples marked positive in the Screening phase require further confirmation.
When a Screening phase indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the specimen for use in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations than in methods like urine or saliva tests, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screenings.
Positive Screening results are verified through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although called "hair follicle tests", the focus is on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Detection Superiority: Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a broader detection scope, proving effective in Millsboro, DE.
Reliable Results: The precision of hair testing overcomes the reliability issues common to urine tests.
Extended Monitoring: Hair testing offers up to 90 days of detection, surpassing the typical urine test window.
Broadened Insight: Hair follicle tests in Millsboro, DE, detect drug usage over up to 90 days, offering a more comprehensive view.
Larger Detection Range: With an extended detection period, employers gain improved insight into an individual's substance use history.
Enhanced Monitoring: Allowing employers a long-term look at drug history, hair testing informs better hiring decisions.
Tamper-resistant Approach: Hair follicle testing reduces sample adulteration, guaranteeing dependable results in Millsboro, DE.
Fraud Prevention: Through its process, hair testing ensures that tampering risks are minimized effectively.
Consistent Accuracy: The integrity of hair samples ensures credible, tamper-free results.
Convenient Accessibility: Nationwide and local Millsboro, DE, testing centers ensure smooth access to services.
Testing without Hassle: Our strategically situated locations make testing both timely and comfortable.
Reach and Convenience: Accessibility is paramount with our broad network of testing centers nationwide.
Clear Process: Experience a straightforward testing procedure in Millsboro, DE, maintaining confidentiality at every step.
Privacy-focused Service: We ensure ease and privacy from test ordering to receiving results.
Simplicity and Discretion: Our testing process prioritizes confidentiality, catering to all clients seamlessly.
Competitive Pricing: Offering affordable drug testing in Millsboro, DE, with fast turnaround times.
Value and Speed: Businesses of any size benefit from our quick, cost-effective services.
Fast and Affordable Solutions: We balance competitive rates with swift result delivery.
Precision in Detection: Hair follicle drug tests offer a precise and expedient method for identifying substance use in Millsboro, DE.
Fast and Reliable Outcomes: These tests provide results with high accuracy, ensuring swift detection of drug or alcohol usage.
Meticulous Screening: The hair follicle method ensures thorough and rapidly reliable testing, bringing peace of mind to users and businesses alike.
Ensuring Compliance: Hair follicle tests help Millsboro, DE, employers meet drug-free workplace policies effectively.
Peace of Mind: By using hair testing, companies manage legal risks and foster safer workplace environments.
Credible Assurance: Employers ensure adherence and cultivate a compliant organizational culture.