Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, hair can show up to nearly a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A 1.5-inch segment containing about 200 hairs (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, meeting the optimal sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, enhancements, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it's specific to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four major steps in the lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary handling of a sample into a lab’s framework. This entails confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated for court purposes. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening need a secondary verification.
If a sample seems positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumed positivity are washed before verification as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Melville, RI, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine tests. Strengths of Hair Testing: It provides a more extensive detection timeframe, allowing for better assessment of substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair tests reveal patterns and frequency of use, offering superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Melville, RI, benefits from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. Comprehensive Coverage: Detection spans up to 90 days, giving employers insight into an individual's longer-term substance history, thus aiding in making informed decisions regarding hiring and maintaining workplace safety.
In Melville, RI, the reliability of hair follicle testing highlights its tamper-resistant nature. Security Assurance: Hair tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results are dependable and verifiable, a crucial aspect for maintaining trust in drug testing processes.
Throughout Melville, RI, and nationwide, our testing centers offer unrivaled convenience. Easy Access: With multiple locations, accessing drug testing services is seamless and hassle-free, ensuring timely testing and rapid results.
The process of hair follicle testing in Melville, RI, is both simple and confidential. Privacy and Ease: From ordering to receiving results, our procedures ensure user privacy and convenience, addressing any confidentiality concerns efficiently.
Affordable pricing combined with quick turnaround times makes hair follicle testing in Melville, RI, a valuable choice. Cost-effective Solutions: Competitive pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, complemented by fast results, offering excellent value and assurance.
In Melville, RI, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and precise results. Key Benefits: These tests offer unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use, making them an ideal choice for environments where reliability is crucial. The technology ensures quick processing and results, lending more confidence in the outcomes.
Employers in Melville, RI, find peace of mind in hair follicle testing as it aids compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Benefits for Employers: It lowers legal risks associated with non-compliance while enhancing overall workplace safety and productivity.
