Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug exposure by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage for roughly a 3-month period. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (equal to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest the scalp, amounts to 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler's scale for precise measurement. If unable to collect scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair may be acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in laboratory drug test analysis: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's framework. This stage involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and conducting any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a lower concentration than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, underscoring why hair drug screening is notably challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before Confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is extensively reviewed in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed “hair follicle testsâ€, the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the clear advantages emerge in Duxbury, VT. This method's enhanced detection accuracy and reliability make it superior, as it not only detects substances longer but is also more comprehensive.
The benefits are especially notable for employers looking for dependable drug screening results.
Hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection window of up to 90 days in Duxbury, VT. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive insight into an employee's or applicant's substance use history, promoting informed hiring or retention decisions.
It ensures a more truthful view of one's lifestyle choices.
Duxbury, VT heralds hair follicle tests as a tamper-resistant option, significantly reducing risks of sample adulteration. The stringent procedures involved ensure dependable outcomes, preventing manipulation.
This integrity restores confidence in the testing process, leading to unquestionable and accurate end results.
Duxbury, VT benefits from the convenience of numerous testing centers across the nation, ensuring swift, hassle-free access to services. Local centers facilitate ease of access, making the testing process straightforward for all involved.
This widespread availability strengthens community trust and service utilization.
With a focus on simplicity and confidentiality, Duxbury, VT ensures an efficient testing procedure. From ordering to receiving results, privacy concerns are addressed effectively, promising ease of use.
This convenience fosters trust and diminishes any apprehension regarding the testing process.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times set our services apart in Duxbury, VT. Affordable structures combined with fast results ensure value for companies of every size, offering cost-effectiveness alongside timely peace of mind.
This efficient service echoes reliability and economic feasibility.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests sets them apart, offering fast and accurate results in Duxbury, VT. These tests are lauded for their high accuracy levels in detecting substance use, ensuring that decisions based on these findings are reliable and swift.
With a stringent testing process, they provide unparalleled assurance to all involved parties.
Employers in Duxbury, VT can rest assured of compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free initiatives, minimizing legal risks while enhancing safety.
The reliability of these tests supports consistent policy enforcement and workplace security.