Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The hair retains a long-term account of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs that extends to roughly 3 months. Hair is straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, with around 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the process begins with integrating a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This process verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves completing any additional data entry required that was not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves conducting an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening poses the greatest challenge in execution.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Derby Line, VT, hair follicle testing clearly surpasses traditional urine tests, boasting superior accuracy and detection capability.
Benefits of hair follicle testing include a longer detection period of up to 90 days, while urine tests typically capture recent substance use.
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window of up to 90 days, providing an in-depth review of a person's substance use history in Derby Line, VT.
This extensive period helps employers gain a deeper understanding of an employee or applicant's past tendencies, ensuring more informed hiring or disciplinary decisions that align with company policies.
The hair follicle testing method significantly enhances test reliability in Derby Line, VT. This testing approach minimizes the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring results that are trustworthy and definitive for all stakeholders.
Employers gain confidence in their drug-testing programs knowing that the risk of adulteration is virtually eliminated, leading to unimpeachable test outcomes.
In Derby Line, VT, the convenience of nationwide testing locations ensures that hair follicle testing is easily accessible.
Local and across the nation, our testing centers offer a swift, accessible experience, simplifying the process for individuals and companies in need of reliable drug-testing services without the added stress of long distances or scheduling issues.
Our process in Derby Line, VT remains simple and confidential from ordering to results delivery.
Emphasizing privacy and ease, our framework caters to those seeking a hassle-free drug testing experience, protecting personal information while providing a seamless, efficient pathway from start to finish, thus respecting and prioritizing client confidentiality concerns.
Offering affordable pricing and rapid service, drug testing in Derby Line, VT stands out as exceptional value.
With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for results, companies regardless of size benefit from this cost-effective solution, balancing resource management and comprehensive drug testing needs.
Hair follicle testing in Derby Line, VT offers unmatched speed and precision in detecting substance use. Accurate results come from analyzing hair, identifying drug or alcohol use efficiently and swiftly.
The testing process is straightforward, and results are delivered in a timely manner, making this a preferred choice for fast and reliable drug testing outcomes.
Employers in Derby Line, VT can achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing.
By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, businesses reduce legal risks and promote a safer, more productive environment.