Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of strands as they grow, hair offers an extended history of substance usage. When taken near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to approximately three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion made up of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests with over 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair is an alternative. In terms of head hair, only scalp hair is considered. Body hair includes any other hair (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test process involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of bringing a sample into a lab’s system. This stage includes the verification of a properly sealed and shipped sample, the assignment of a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of additional data input if an electronic chain of custody system isn't used.
Screening consists of an initial assessment for illicit drug usage. While Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Positively screened samples require secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests positivity, further hair is extracted from the specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging to carry out.
Any positive screening outcomes are validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 acreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the assessment analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Albany, VT is highlighted through comparative advantages. Hair tests identify drug use over a broader timeline, contrasting with the limited window of urine tests. Where traditional urine testing might miss past usage, hair analysis offers comprehensive accuracy and reliability beyond compare.
The superior detection capabilities make hair testing ideal for organizations prioritizing thoroughness.
Extended Detection Window in Albany, VT benefits greatly from hair follicle testing. Unlike other methods, it covers a drug use timeline of up to 90 days, providing a wider perspective of an individual's substance history. Employers gain a better understanding of an applicant's or employee's long-term habits, thus making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Albany, VT offers significant advantages. Hair follicle testing greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, providing peace of mind with their invulnerability to tampering. This reliability ensures test results that are trustworthy and unquestionable, vital for judicial and workplace purposes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Albany, VT guarantee great accessibility, making drug testing quick and straightforward. Multiple centers ensure that no matter where you are, a facility is nearby and ready to serve your needs, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Albany, VT underlines the importance of ease and privacy in testing procedures. Our streamlined approach guarantees that ordering, taking, and obtaining results are as straightforward as possible, giving individuals assurance over privacy concerns while ensuring accurate outcomes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Albany, VT set our services apart, offering competitive rates without compromising on quality. The prompt turnaround times ensure that results are delivered swiftly, adding value for businesses of varying sizes seeking reliable testing solutions.
Fast and Reliable Results in Albany, VT are ensured through hair follicle drug tests, offering prompt and precise substance detection. The high level of accuracy delivered by these tests sets them apart. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, hair testing services provide instant insights, allowing timely interventions when necessary.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Albany, VT are ensured through hair follicle testing. Adopting these methods aligns with stringent drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. By choosing this testing, employers protect their environment with a commitment to safety and compliance.
