Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the structure of hair as it grows, hair provides an extended timeline of drug and alcohol exposure. Collected near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug usage history for up to around 90 days. Hair is straightforward to gather, moderately tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches comprised of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp will result in 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional panels above 10, 150mg of sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory methodology for a drug test encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. It entails ensuring correct sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data that wasn’t provided via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. While Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in the bulk of samples, any positive findings require Confirmation to be court-admissible. Any preliminarily positive findings in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample be deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than seen in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a complex practice.
Confirmation for any positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Is Superior in Brandon, VT: Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing offers unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability, capturing substance use over extended periods.
While urine tests are effective for recent use detection, hair tests provide a more comprehensive analysis, reducing the likelihood of misuse or avoidance by test takers.
Employers benefit from a more robust substance screening method, safeguarding workplace integrity and trust.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle tests in Brandon, VT provide a comprehensive analysis of drug use history. Unlike other tests, they trace substance intake over three months.
This 90-day window offers employers an extensive view into an individual's potential drug involvement, making it ideal for pre-employment checks or ongoing assessments.
With such a historical insight, informed decisions about hiring are more assured.
Secured Against Tampering: Hair follicle testing in Brandon, VT significantly curtails the risk of sample compromise. Its procedure inherently thwarts adulteration attempts.
Given its nature, the unquestionable reliability of this testing method provides clear and definitive results, minimizing the likelihood of erroneous outcomes.
Employers and institutions can rest assured knowing the test results are authentic and unbiased.
Accessible Testing Locations: With convenient centers across the nation, including Brandon, VT, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward.
Streamlined and Confidential Process: In Brandon, VT, our hair follicle tests are managed via a simple, confidential procedure from order to results.
Competitive Pricing with Quick Results: In Brandon, VT, you receive great value through our affordable pricing models and fast turnaround, ensuring satisfaction for businesses of all sizes.
Our efficiency doesn't compromise on the quality, providing significant peace of mind.
This cost-effective approach allows companies to conduct drug testing economically without stretching budgets.
Brandon, VT benefits from quick, precise, and reliable hair follicle drug tests. These tests are not only swift but their high accuracy in detecting illicit substance use makes them an exceptional choice.
The test's accuracy ensures that results are trustworthy, providing a dependable foundation for decision-making by employers and institutions.
Efficient processing guarantees that results are expedited, delivering timely insights into potential substance use with impressive precision.
Compliance and Employer Assurance: By utilizing hair follicle testing in Brandon, VT, employers can uphold drug-free workplace policies effectively. This practice minimizes legal risks.
It forms part of a proactive approach to enhancing safety in the workplace, offering peace of mind through assured compliance with established policies.
Furthermore, it signals a commitment to maintaining a safe and professional environment for all staff.
