Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Smyrna, DE

What it is, How it works

For drug and alcohol detection, hair testing is recognized as an effective method. The hair holds a long-term record of alcohol and drugs, capturing biomarkers within the strands. When taken close to the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness), from the nearest part of the scalp, yields 100mg, suitable for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, and others).

Process Overview

The procedure of processing a drug test result in a lab encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not available from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary, swift test for drug abuse. Though cost-effective in ruling out drug usage in most samples, a Screening positive requires confirmation for court acceptance. Samples presumed positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than in other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.

Confirmation follows for any positive Screening results using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before Confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests provide up to a 90-day detection window, unlike the shorter window of urine tests.
• Hard to manipulate: Hair drug tests are tough to cheat, thus yielding more accurate outcomes.
• Offers historical insight: It reveals a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When it comes to drug testing in Smyrna, DE, hair follicle tests clearly outperform classic urine tests. The benefits are substantial: longer detection periods, increased accuracy, and stringent observation during sample collection make hair testing a preferred choice.
This method ensures reliability while mitigating issues related to manipulation.

Extended Detection Window

For a comprehensive review of substance use history, hair follicle testing in Smyrna, DE is unparalleled. It provides up to a 90-day detection window, significantly longer than traditional methods. Employers benefit greatly as it allows them to understand an individual's long-term substance behavior.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Smyrna, DE, stand strong against adulteration attempts. The collection process itself, being observed, makes it nearly impossible to tamper with. The trustworthiness of the results remains intact, providing reassurance to all stakeholders.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous nationwide and local testing centers in Smyrna, DE, the convenience of hair follicle testing is unmatched. Easy access ensures prompt service whenever needed, simplifying the testing process for many.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Smyrna, DE, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, we prioritize privacy and ensure a seamless experience for all parties involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing in Smyrna, DE, offers competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times. We make it affordable for companies of all sizes, ensuring excellent value without compromising on efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Smyrna, DE, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed, accuracy, and reliability. These tests provide detailed insights into an individual's substance use, offering rapid and dependable results.
The precision that hair tests bring is unparalleled, enabling quick decision-making for employers and individuals alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Smyrna, DE ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind to employers. Employers minimize legal risks and uphold safety standards by using this reliable testing method.

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