Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust instrument for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest evaluating the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four crucial stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing of a specimen into a laboratory's system. This process includes confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it's a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is proving more beneficial than traditional urine tests in Yorklyn, DE. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it a preferred choice for employers seeking dependable results.
Unlike urine tests, which might only detect recent drug use, hair tests cover a more extensive period, providing a holistic overview of an individual's history.
In Yorklyn, DE, hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, capturing substance use history up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an individual's long-term habits.
With the ability to trace drug use over more extended periods, employers can make more informed decisions regarding applicants or employees.
Yorklyn, DE's hair follicle testing method is notably tamper-resistant, greatly minimizing the possibility of sample adulteration. This results in highly reliable outcomes.
The robust nature of hair tests makes them a trusted solution, safeguarding against fraudulent attempts to skew test results.
With numerous convenient testing centers nationwide, including local ones in Yorklyn, DE, accessing our services is straightforward and hassle-free.
Our extensive network ensures that testing is not only efficient but also widely available, addressing the needs of diverse clients rapidly.
The process in Yorklyn, DE, for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, giving you peace of mind about your privacy.
From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to be straightforward, alleviating any concerns about the complexity or confidentiality of the process.
In Yorklyn, DE, our services boast affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value and satisfaction.
This cost-efficiency combined with rapid results helps companies manage drug testing without straining their budgets.
In Yorklyn, DE, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision with which they detect substances ensures that any drug usage is effectively identified.
The high degree of accuracy offered by hair follicle tests makes them an invaluable tool for businesses and institutions aiming to ensure a drug-free environment.
In Yorklyn, DE, hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free policies, thereby ensuring compliance while enhancing workplace safety.
By implementing such reliable testing methods, organizations reduce legal exposures and foster a secure work setting for everyone involved.