Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant instrument in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record for drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When procured near the scalp, hair can yield an up to approximately 3-month window for drug and alcohol detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to adulterate, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. Whenever head hair is mentioned, it exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The four crucial phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the early processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This covers checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample seems positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and gets ready for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in various other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The whole lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Hooksett, NH
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine samples are numerous. Hair analyses provide superior detection accuracy, unveiling drug use patterns up to 90 days prior. This extended window is invaluable for employers desiring a long-term view, while urine tests fall short in their shorter detection periods and susceptibility to tampering.
Extended Detection Window in South Hooksett, NH
Hair follicle testing shines with its ability to reveal drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This lengthy detection window grants employers extensive insights into an individual's substance habits, enhancing confidence in the hiring process as it allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of potential employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Hooksett, NH
One of the main benefits of hair follicle testing is its strong resistance to sample adulteration. The integrity of this testing method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, as it significantly diminishes the chances of tampering. With these qualities, employers and authorities can trust the outcomes provided by hair testing for informed decision-making.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Hooksett, NH
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures quick and easy access to drug testing services. Whether in South Hooksett or elsewhere, finding a nearby center is hassle-free, making it convenient for individuals and employers to perform necessary tests without undue stress or travel complications.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Hooksett, NH
The process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Privacy concerns are addressed to ensure a non-intrusive experience, where individuals can comfortably engage with the testing service, assured that their information remains secure throughout the procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Hooksett, NH
Offering competitive pricing along with quick result turnaround, hair follicle testing brings excellent value to businesses of all sizes. This affordability coupled with rapid processing empowers companies to make timely and informed hiring decisions without financial strain, enhancing operational efficiency and trust.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Hooksett, NH
When it comes to prompt and dependable testing, hair follicle drug examinations offer unmatched precision and speed. With high accuracy in identifying substance use, these tests ensure that employers gain clear insights into individuals' substance history. The swift processing of samples means results are delivered in a timely manner, bolstering trust in this method.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Hooksett, NH
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies, ensuring employers maintain a safe and secure environment. By reducing legal risks and promoting safety, these tests not only protect companies but also foster peace of mind, knowing that comprehensive and trustworthy testing methods are in place.
