Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a formidable method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair chronicles the long-term use of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a 3-month detection period for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides roughly 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, extended tests, or panels over 10, 150mg is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. ‘Head hair’ refers specifically to scalp hair only, while ‘body hair’ encompasses other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four fundamental stages in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is introduced to a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Though cost-effective for negating drug usage in most samples, positive screenings must be validated to be acceptable in legal settings. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Presumptive positives from the Screening process lead to additional hair extraction for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are pulled from hair at much lower levels compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of all positive results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirming when necessary. The entire cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle below the scalp.
When comparing hair testing to traditional urine tests in Melvin Village, NH, hair follicle testing stands out in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a clearer, more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use history, surpassing the temporal limitations of urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Melvin Village, NH provides an extensive detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended timeframe offers employers a thorough perspective of a candidate or employee's previous substance use, surpassing the short-term insight gained from urine tests.
In Melvin Village, NH, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant alternative, significantly minimizing the potential for sample adulteration. This testing method ensures that the results are reliable and indisputable, serving as a crucial asset for maintaining integrity in drug testing processes.
With testing centers across the nation and locally in Melvin Village, NH, accessing drug testing services has never been more convenient. The extensive network ensures that tests are conducted without hassle, accommodating the diverse needs of both individuals and organizations.
The procedure for utilizing hair follicle drug tests in Melvin Village, NH is both simple and confidential. It prioritizes privacy and ease from ordering, through testing, to receiving results. Ensuring confidentiality, the process is as user-friendly as it is secure.
Our competitive pricing in Melvin Village, NH, coupled with swift turnaround times, provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes. By ensuring affordability and timely results, companies can enjoy peace of mind and effectively manage their drug-testing needs.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in Melvin Village, NH. These tests boast high accuracy, swiftly detecting virtually any substance use. Results are delivered with speed and confidence, making it an invaluable tool for employers and institutions looking for quick and reliable data.
Employers in Melvin Village, NH can achieve compliance and enjoy peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, mitigates legal issues, and enhances workplace safety, proving it to be a beneficial decision for businesses dedicated to a secure environment.
