Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of exposure to alcohol and other substances by entrapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it can provide up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to alter, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or more than 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, the reference is to scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Conformation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's database. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and properly shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening provides an initial check for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All tentatively positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the examination tests the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Gorham, NH, surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair tests are able to detect drug use over an extended period, providing a more comprehensive assessment.
In comparison to urine tests, hair follicle testing offers enhanced accuracy and a longer detection window, making it a preferred choice for employers aiming for stringent substance use monitoring.
Hair follicle testing in Gorham, NH, offers an extended detection period, often covering up to 90 days. This wide window allows employers to gain an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance use history, beyond short-term usage.
The advantage of a longer detection time is invaluable for making informed decisions regarding hiring and continued employment, ensuring a safer and more reliable workplace environment.
In Gorham, NH, hair follicle tests are highly tamper-resistant, drastically minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. The integrity of these tests ensures employers receive dependable results, free from manipulation.
Hair testing's observed collection process plays a critical role in maintaining the authenticity and reliability of the sample, rendering the possibility of falsifying results nearly impossible.
Residents in Gorham, NH, and nationwide can access our testing services through conveniently located centers across the country. This extensive network ensures that testing is straightforward and accessible for all.
Our nationwide infrastructure ensures that hair follicle tests can be conducted quickly and easily, minimizing hassle and maximizing convenience for individuals and employers alike.
In Gorham, NH, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential, prioritizing clients' privacy and ease. Ordering, taking tests, and receiving results are streamlined for maximum convenience.
This straightforward approach is crucial for maintaining confidentiality and aiding clients in comfortably navigating the testing protocol without stress or privacy concerns.
In Gorham, NH, our competitive pricing and efficient turnaround times make hair follicle testing an accessible choice for businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value and peace of mind.
Affordability paired with fast result delivery ensures that companies receive high-quality testing services without the burden of excessive costs, aligning with their operational and financial goals.
In Gorham, NH, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift and precise results, providing a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use. This efficient testing ensures that results are not just reliable but also prompt, aiding quick decision making.
The reliability of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, ensuring that employers and organizations receive results that they can trust, reflecting a clear picture of an individual’s substance use history.
In Gorham, NH, implementing hair follicle testing contributes to compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thereby offering peace of mind to employers concerned about legal risks and workplace safety.
Employers benefit from reduced liability and enhanced safety as hair testing provides a thorough review of past substance use, supporting policy enforcement and maintaining a secure work environment.
