Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Odessa, DE

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair testing has increasingly been recognized as an effective method for detecting both drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a repository for long-term drug and alcohol usage history by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, they can offer a detection timeframe that extends up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A sample around 1.5 inches in length consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximate size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, considered the ideal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the hair sample. Should scalp hair be unattainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary.

Process Overview

The principal phases in laboratory handling for drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample as it enters a laboratory’s system. This phase encompasses verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial brief assessment for substance abuse. While Screening offers a budget-friendly means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be legally viable. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening do need further confirmation.

If during Screening a sample tests presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drug compounds are extracted from the hair in much lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most intricate method.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives are cleaned as needed. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a much shorter detection span.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating in a hair drug test is quite challenging, enhancing the result's accuracy.
• Provides historical data: It offers a timeline pattern of substance use over time, rather than just identifying recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Cost: Hair drug testing is usually more costly than other testing methodologies.
• Variations in results: Individual differences like hair color and growth rates can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While frequently known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Odessa, DE, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests through its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests offer insights into recent drug use, hair tests provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, showcasing reliability and precision unmatched by traditional methods.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Odessa, DE benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, capturing drug use over 90 days. This method provides a detailed look at an individual’s substance habits, offering a robust picture of long-term use compared to short-term alternatives.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Odessa, DE significantly minimizes tampering risks. The collection process and intrinsic nature of the sample prevent common adulteration techniques, ensuring the integrity of every sample and producing results that are unquestionably reliable.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous national testing centers and convenient setups in Odessa, DE, access to drug testing services is straightforward and efficient. Our network ensures that both local and distant sites can facilitate quick and seamless testing experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

Odessa, DE offers a straightforward and confidential pathway to conducting hair follicle tests. From ordering to result reception, the process is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity, addressing all concerns related to ease of use, making testing stress-free.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our competitive pricing in Odessa, DE ensures that hair follicle testing remains affordable without compromising on the speed of turnaround. These quick, reliable results provide great value, rendering peace of mind for companies regardless of their size.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle tests in Odessa, DE are renowned for their rapid and precise detection capabilities. These tests are highly effective in pinpointing substance usage, ensuring quick and accurate results. The precision of hair analysis makes it a reliable choice for those needing dependable outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers across Odessa, DE, adopting hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace compliance, mitigating legal risks and boosting workplace safety. This innovative testing supports a healthier work environment, ensuring policies are upheld with confidence.

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