Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by incorporating biomarkers into the hair strand's growing fibers. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month period of alcohol and drug use history. Hair is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an ideal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair specifically indicates scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the sample’s initial entry into a lab’s system, which involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are separated from hair at a lower concentration level than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the challenge of conducting hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the testing actually involves analyzing the hair strand rather than the scalp's underlying hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing in Brighton, VT, presents substantial advantages over traditional urine tests. This method provides superior accuracy in detecting drug use due to its extended detection window. Employers and individuals benefit from the reliability of hair tests, which offer an unrivaled ability to uncover drug use histories compared to urine tests.
Employers in Brighton, VT, choose hair follicle testing for its unparalleled ability to detect substance use over an extended period. Unlike other tests, hair analysis provides a comprehensive view of up to 90 days of drug history, crucial for evaluating the substance use patterns of applicants or employees, thereby supporting informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Brighton, VT, stands out in its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, hair test results are reliable and difficult to falsify, offering a rigorous approach to testing. The integrity of the samples is maintained, ensuring that results remain unquestionable and accurate, reducing potential legal issues.
Our testing centers offer unmatched convenience with locations spread across the nation, including Brighton, VT. Whether local or nationwide, our testing services ensure accessibility and ease. This network guarantees fast, hassle-free access to testing facilities, meeting the needs of clients efficiently.
The testing process in Brighton, VT, is both simple and confidential, ensuring users' privacy and ease of access. From ordering the test to receiving results, the streamlined process addresses privacy concerns effectively. These straightforward steps make drug testing accessible to all, without compromising personal information.
Our Brighton, VT, testing services offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround, delivering excellent value. With affordable options and quick results, companies of all sizes benefit from our services. This affordability, coupled with fast processing times, provides businesses with peace of mind and cost-effective solutions.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing in Brighton, VT, offers individuals fast and reliable results. This method boasts high accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring that results are dependable. With state-of-the-art procedures, hair tests swiftly identify drug use, delivering rapid outcomes that cater to the needs of both employers and individuals.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Brighton, VT, brings employers confidence in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind from using a testing method that aligns with zero-tolerance policies effectively.
