Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair has gained a reputation as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair captures and retains biomarkers within its fibers, providing a prolonged record of drug and alcohol consumption as the hair grows. If collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal a detection duration of up to roughly three months for both drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and simple to deliver.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, amounts to 100mg, which is the prime volume for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, or panels exceeding ten, a sample quantity of 150mg is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample utilizing a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a proportional quantity of body hair may be obtained. The term 'head hair' is specific to scalp hair, while 'body hair' includes other hair varieties like facial and axillary hair.
Steps Involved
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, an initial sample is entered into the laboratory’s system. This step incorporates verifying the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening provides a swift preliminary examination for drug abuse signs. While Screening provides a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in most samples, evidencing a positive finding in court requires confirmation. Any samples with tentative positive Screening results necessitate subsequent validation.
In cases of presumptive positivity at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the preliminary sample and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, the extraction of drugs from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations compared to other approaches (like urine or oral fluids), establishing hair drug testing as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any Screening advantages is handled through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleansed prior to needed confirmation. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, as well as compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 protocols.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pike Creek, DE
In Pike Creek, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, catching substance use over extended periods and making it challenging for subjects to deceive the results, unlike the traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Pike Creek, DE
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Pike Creek is its long detection window, up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use, unlike traditional methods that only show recent consumption, providing a more holistic view of employee behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pike Creek, DE
Hair follicle testing in Pike Creek dramatically reduces the likelihood of sample tampering. The nature of the test makes it nearly impossible to alter the sample, providing results that are reliable and trusted, giving employers and clients peace of mind regarding the integrity of the outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pike Creek, DE
The extensive network of testing facilities across the nation, including local centers in Pike Creek, ensures hassle-free access to testing services. This convenience allows individuals and employers to easily find and utilize nearby testing services, facilitating quick and efficient drug testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pike Creek, DE
The straightforward and private process in Pike Creek guarantees ease and confidentiality from ordering through to result reception. This simplicity addresses privacy concerns and enhances user experience by allowing for a seamless testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pike Creek, DE
In Pike Creek, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for any company size. Providing excellent value, our services ensure businesses receive prompt results without compromising on quality or fiscal efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pike Creek, DE
Hair follicle drug tests in Pike Creek deliver not only fast but also exceptionally accurate results. Their precision in identifying substance use outperforms other testing methods, offering high reliability for both employers and individuals. The efficiency of results aids in making informed decisions promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pike Creek, DE
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Pike Creek enables employers to align with strict drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal risks and enhancing safety. This reliable method offers compliance and tranquility, crucial in maintaining a secure and productive work environment.
