Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the strands, hair delivers a comprehensive timeline of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For tests involving EtG or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended to measure the specimen accurately. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent measure of body hair is acceptable. It is essential to clarify that 'head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, incorporating the sample into the laboratory's system. This stage ensures the sample has been properly sealed and transported, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, efficient process to identify drugs of abuse. While it is an economical way to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any sample that tests presumptively positive during Screening requires further confirmation.
For samples returning a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is one of the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Prior to Confirmation, any presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing. The entire laboratory process is subject to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Epping, NH surpasses urine tests in accuracy and reliability. Its extensive detection window ensures a more comprehensive substance use assessment.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy, revealing drug use patterns effectively over extended periods.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Epping, NH, providing a thorough view of an individual's substance use history.
This extended window allows employers to better assess long-term drug use behaviors, crucial for making informed employment decisions.
In Epping, NH, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method, notably reducing sample adulteration.
Its design ensures that results are authentic and unquestionable, offering a reliable basis for decision-making.
Our centers offer convenient testing locations nationwide, including Epping, NH, delivering stress-free access to essential services.
This network of centers allows for quick and easy testing, meeting the needs of diverse clients without hassle.
Conducting hair follicle testing in Epping, NH is a simple, private process, ensuring confidentiality from order placement to result receipt.
This seamless process assures clients of discretion and ease, attending to all privacy concerns proficiently.
We pride ourselves on affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Epping, NH.
Our competitive rates provide companies of all sizes with excellent value and timely results, ensuring peace of mind.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Epping, NH are unmatched. Precision and rapid results are key when it comes to detecting substance use, making these tests the preferred choice.
Hair tests offer fast, reliable results that employers and individuals can count on. The detection process is swift and thorough, providing peace of mind.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Epping, NH enhances compliance with drug-free policies and boosts workplace safety.
It provides employers peace of mind by minimizing legal risks and ensuring a safe, drug-free environment.
