Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a significant technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record of alcohol and drug consumption over an extended period by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. By obtaining a sample near the scalp, a detection timeframe of around three months can be achieved for both alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is effortless, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.
An ideal sample for evaluation and confirmation is a 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional requirements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. Reference to head hair specifically means scalp hair alone. Body hair encapsulates all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the initial assimilation of a sample into a lab’s database. This step includes ensuring the sample’s sealing and shipment were correct, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening incorporates an initial rapid examination for substance abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to stand in court. Any samples presenting a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the primary sample and set for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), signifying hair drug analysis is the most complex methodology to execute.
Each positive screening outcome undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself is conducted on the strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wellfleet, NE Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, capturing a broader history of drug use. This is critical for employers implementing strict safety standards, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Wellfleet, NE Hair follicle testing is advantageous due to its prolonged detection period, capable of reflecting drug use up to 90 days back. This extended window offers employers in Wellfleet a detailed overview of an individual’s drug use, enabling better decision-making in terms of hiring and ongoing evaluations of employees' substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wellfleet, NE One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to sample tampering. Accredited Drug Testing in Wellfleet guarantees results that are difficult to adulterate, providing accurate and trustworthy information. This reliability ensures employers receive results they can trust, enhancing organizational policy enforcement.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Locations in Wellfleet, NE Our nationwide network of testing centers, including local sites in Wellfleet, makes access to drug testing services convenient and efficient. Accredited Drug Testing ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing individuals and employers to conduct necessary testing with ease and speed, ensuring availability whenever and wherever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wellfleet, NE Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and discreet. In Wellfleet, Accredited Drug Testing offers a seamless approach from ordering to results, maintaining privacy every step of the way. Clients can trust that their information remains confidential, with clear and understandable procedures ensuring minimal disruption.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wellfleet, NE Our competitive pricing structures coupled with fast turnaround times provide exceptional value. Businesses in Wellfleet can enjoy cost-effective testing solutions without sacrificing quality or speed, ensuring timely insights and supporting company policies efficiently and economically.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wellfleet, NE Hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their remarkable precision and speed. Accredited Drug Testing in Wellfleet ensures high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing invaluable information quickly. Employers can rely on these tests to maintain the integrity and safety of their workplace, with results usually delivered faster than traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wellfleet, NE Hair follicle tests are a robust tool for adhering to drug-free workplace policies. Employers in Wellfleet benefit from reduced legal risks and improved safety by opting for this test, giving peace of mind while fulfilling compliance requirements. This proactive approach ensures safer work environments and enhances employee performance.
