Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged account of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When taken near the scalp, it can deliver nearly a 3-month detection range for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (similar to the dimensions of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or testing exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It’s suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair refers specifically to the hair on the scalp. Body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step checks whether the sample was duly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any remaining data not input through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug usage. Though Screening is economical and can eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening do require further validation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging technique.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All tentatively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Farmington, NH
In comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests, hair testing is more effective in both detection and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Farmington, NH
Hair follicle testing offers the advantage of an extended detection window of drug use, capturing substance history for up to 90 days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Farmington, NH
Hair follicle testing is notably resistant to tampering, thus providing results that are highly reliable and difficult to dispute.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Farmington, NH
Our testing centers, conveniently spread nationwide, offer easy access for quick and hassle-free drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Farmington, NH
Hair follicle testing in Farmington follows a straightforward and confidential procedure, ensuring privacy at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Farmington, NH
We provide competitive pricing structures that promise exceptional value alongside rapid test result delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Farmington, NH
Hair follicle tests in Farmington deliver swift and precise results, proving to be a dependable choice for detecting substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Farmington, NH
Employing hair follicle testing in the workplace helps ensure adherence to drug-free policies, which can minimize legal risks and promote a safer environment.