Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as an exceptional means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures extensive histories of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and various drugs. It's straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and effortless to transport.
Gathering a sample that's 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (akin to the dimensions of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, establishing the optimal benchmark for initial screenings and confirmations. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Employ a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing of the sample. In cases where the scalp hair is not accessible, a proportional quantity of body hair can be utilized. In discussions referring to head hair, it signifies only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all alternative hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning manages the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab's framework. It entails confirming secure sealing and correct shipment of the sample, allocation of a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any outstanding data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't cover.
Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach for eliminating drug intake in the bulk of samples, any positive screen mandates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples displaying presumptive positives from Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are withdrawn from the hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening stands out as the most challenging method to execute.
The affirmation of any positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before proceeding to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Pelham, NH, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Among these benefits is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a longer detection window, capturing substance use patterns effectively, whereas urine tests may miss this data, especially over extended periods.
Hair follicle tests in Pelham, NH, are invaluable for detecting drug use over up to 90 days. This extended detection period offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history compared to urine testing, which has a limited timeline. Such insights help in making informed hiring and management decisions.
One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Pelham, NH, is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, hair samples significantly reduce the risk of adulteration. This method provides reliable and unquestionable results, ensuring an accurate understanding of drug use patterns.
Convenience is paramount at our Pelham, NH centers, part of a nationwide testing network. This network ensures easy access with quick and hassle-free services, enabling anyone who needs a drug test to find a location readily. Clients have the assurance that they're never far from necessary testing resources.
The hair follicle testing process in Pelham, NH, is characterized by its simplicity and confidentiality. From order to receiving results, the procedure is designed to maintain privacy and ease. This straightforward approach means participants are comfortable and informed every step of the way, ensuring a worry-free experience.
Hair follicle testing in Pelham, NH, offers affordable pricing alongside fast turnaround. Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value, especially when combined with the swift delivery of results. This approach provides companies of all sizes with cost-effective solutions to their drug testing needs.
Hair follicle drug tests in Pelham, NH, are renowned for delivering speedy and accurate results. They provide high precision in detecting various substances. The quick turnaround time ensures that employers and individuals get the information they need promptly.
Efficiency and accuracy are paramount, making this method superior in identifying drug use with confidence.
Employers in Pelham, NH, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which upholds workplace drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks while enhancing safety by identifying those who may compromise workplace integrity, creating a secure workplace environment.
