Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved to be recognized as a compelling mechanism for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term account of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can present up to an estimated 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the sample's preliminary processing into a lab's system. This step includes validating that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for substance abuse. Screening is an economical method for excluding drug consumption on the majority of samples, although a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any sample that tests presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
When a specimen is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower levels than in alternate methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample that tests presumptively positive is washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Middletown Springs, VT
Hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over urine tests. Their superior detection accuracy and reliability make them the preferred choice in Middletown Springs. Compared to urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair follicle tests can detect drugs over a longer period, providing more comprehensive results and ensuring improved screening outcomes.
Extended Detection Window in Middletown Springs, VT
Hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage with its extended detection window, capturing drug use over a 90-day period. This offers a broad overview of a person's substance history, assisting Middletown Springs employers in obtaining a detailed account of an applicant's or employee's past substance use, ensuring informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Middletown Springs, VT
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering, making them a reliable choice for accurate drug testing. In Middletown Springs, these tests cut down the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring unquestionable results and maintaining the integrity of substance use assessments with minimal risk of interference.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Middletown Springs, VT
Accessing drug testing services is hassle-free with our widespread testing centers. In Middletown Springs and nationwide, testing locations are strategically placed for convenience, facilitating quick and easy access to testing services, thus ensuring a smooth experience for all clients seeking drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Middletown Springs, VT
Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is made simple and confidential in Middletown Springs. This process caters to privacy concerns while being user-friendly, ensuring individuals and businesses a seamless experience when seeking reliable and secure drug testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Middletown Springs, VT
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times provide exceptional value for businesses of any size in Middletown Springs. These cost-efficient solutions ensure reliable testing results without delay, offering peace of mind and cost-effectiveness with our high-quality hair follicle drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Middletown Springs, VT
Hair follicle drug tests in Middletown Springs promise precision and speed, being highly accurate in identifying substance use. With a rigorous testing process, results are swift and dependable, allowing individuals and organizations quick turnaround times. This method stands out for its precision, providing unparalleled accuracy in detecting drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Middletown Springs, VT
Employers in Middletown Springs can trust hair follicle testing to meet workplace drug-free policies, significantly lowering legal risks and boosting workplace safety. This reliable method of drug testing gives employers peace of mind, ensuring compliance and promoting a healthier, safer working environment.
