Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hairs (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, collecting 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Our reference to head hair exclusively concerns scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing for drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary fast assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is economically viable to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive indication must be verified to be court admissible. Any samples marked presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
If a specimen is deemed presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, substances are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is considered the most challenging method to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening finding is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples found presumptively positive undergo washing before verification if required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When evaluating drug testing options in Hampton Beach, NH, hair follicle tests significantly outperform traditional urine tests. The primary benefit is superior detection accuracy and reliability.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Hampton Beach, NH, gives employers a comprehensive substance history view. With the ability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests provide a broader perspective that urine tests cannot match.
In Hampton Beach, NH, hair follicle tests present a highly tamper-resistant testing method. Why so reliable? The process significantly reduces risk of adulteration.
Convenience is paramount with our testing services in Hampton Beach, NH. Accredited Drug Testing offers numerous nationwide centers, providing quick and hassle-free access to testing services.
At Accredited Drug Testing in Hampton Beach, NH, simplicity and confidentiality are our hallmarks. Our process for ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and private.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround in Hampton Beach, NH, we deliver outstanding value with our hair follicle drug tests. Employers appreciate our affordable rates coupled with quick service.
In Hampton Beach, NH, hair follicle drug tests offer unbeatable speed and precision. These tests deliver highly accurate results, allowing for the thorough detection of substance use. This ensures that employers and individuals receive fast, reliable data to make informed decisions.
This fast turnaround not only reflects the high accuracy achieved but also positions hair testing as a trustworthy choice for detecting long-term drug use, giving it an edge over other testing methods.
By adopting hair follicle testing in Hampton Beach, NH, employers enhance workplace compliance and peace of mind. Implementing this method supports workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks.
