Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a chronological record of alcohol and drug use, encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil), provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum sample for both initial examination and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or screens exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When speaking of head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result's laboratory processing involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any extra data not supplied by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is considered presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction stage. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis itself is performed on the hair strand, not the scalp's underlying follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Newport, RI
When weighing the advantages, hair testing emerges superior to urine tests in many aspects. While urine tests may detect recent substance use, hair tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. They are less prone to manipulation, providing more dependable and consistent outcomes.
Extended Detection Window in Newport, RI
Hair follicle testing provides the unique advantage of a prolonged detection period for drug use, stretching up to 90 days. This feature delivers employers a more exhaustive understanding of an individual’s substance history, crucial for making informed hiring or retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Newport, RI
The methodology behind hair follicle testing significantly diminishes the chances of sample adulteration. This resistance to tampering ensures that the results are both reliable and difficult to dispute, offering peace of mind to organizations and individuals relying on the outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Newport, RI
Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation ensures that accessing our services is effortless and efficient. Whether you're in Newport or elsewhere, quick and hassle-free testing is just around the corner, prioritizing convenience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Newport, RI
Ordering, participating in, and receiving results from a hair follicle drug test is a straightforward and private experience. The emphasis is on maintaining confidentiality and simplicity throughout the process, allaying any privacy concerns patrons might have.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Newport, RI
Our competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround provide value and assurance for organizations of all sizes. Ensuring that quality and affordability go hand in hand, we deliver excellent service without sacrificing speed or efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Newport, RI
The precision of hair follicle drug testing is unmatched, offering swift and dependable results. This testing method stands out with its ability to accurately identify substance use, ensuring a high degree of reliability and trustworthiness for those who require unequivocal results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Newport, RI
Utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to workplace drug-free policies, significantly mitigating legal risks. This testing method not only fosters a safe work environment but also reduces potential liabilities, offering employers a sense of security and assurance.
