Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and various substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches long, consisting of 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil), located closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG additions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair might be gathered. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four primary stages are integral to the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the foremost handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and delivery, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not recorded by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift assessment for drug presence. While it is an economical way to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive outcome in screening necessitates confirmation to be used in legal settings. Samples that indicate presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
To confirm any positive screening result, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before the confirmation process as per requirements. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the guidance of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves examining the hair strand, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Bradford, VT? The answer lies in superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing expands the detection timeline, identifying drug use over a longer period and offering a no-compromise approach for zero-tolerance policies.
The rigorous nature of hair testing minimizes the potential for adulteration, whereas urine tests fall short in this regard.
In Bradford, VT, the hair follicle test stands out due to its extended detection window, capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's history with substances.
This extended timeline surpasses the limitations of urine tests, providing a broader view and enabling informed decision-making based on past behavior patterns.
Hair follicle testing methods in Bradford, VT, are designed to be tamper-resistant, ensuring reliability. The process significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, thus providing trustworthy results that are beyond reproach.
This reliability makes it the preferred choice for organizations seeking accurate insights into substance use without the interference of dishonest practices.
Hair follicle testing services in Bradford, VT, benefit from our expansive network of nationwide testing centers. The convenience of local facilities ensures quick and easy access to testing services, making the process hassle-free.
With numerous testing locations available, individuals and employers can access reliable testing seamlessly, reinforcing efficiency and convenience in getting tested.
In Bradford, VT, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Our approach addresses privacy concerns by ensuring a discrete procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results with ease.
This method assures users of confidentiality and convenience, allowing participants to experience the testing process without anxiety regarding privacy breaches.
In Bradford, VT, we offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle tests, ensuring value without compromising quality. Our services boast fast turnaround times, providing results quickly to support timely decision-making.
We cater to companies of all sizes, offering affordability paired with the assurance of reliable outcomes, making us a trusted partner in drug testing.
Hair follicle drug testing in Bradford, VT, offers unparalleled accuracy and speed. The precision of these tests ensures highly reliable results for detecting substance use. When conducted, they swiftly provide information crucial for employers and individuals alike, ensuring that decisions are based on trustworthy data.
The process leverages sophisticated technology to deliver results that are not only prompt but remarkably precise, setting it apart in the drug testing landscape.
Employers in Bradford, VT, benefit from hair follicle testing's ability to ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This approach minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, fostering peace of mind for employers.
By adopting such stringent testing methods, companies reinforce their commitment to safety and compliance, cultivating a positive and secure work environment.