Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When procured near the scalp, hair can present up to an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to dispatch.
A segment of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for accurate weighing. If head hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair mean scalp hair solely, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four pivotal steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. It entails affirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial expedient examination for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in the bulk of samples, a screen testing positive must be verified to hold in court proceedings. Any samples that are initially positive during Screening necessitate secondary validation.
In instances where a sample is initially positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening poses a challenge in terms of execution.
Verification of all positive screening results is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in North Bennington, VT, demonstrates superior detection over urine tests.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests are nearly impervious to adulteration, ensuring accurate and honest results.
Offering an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in North Bennington, VT, provides a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Hair testing in North Bennington allows for a comprehensive review of an individual's substance habits.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in North Bennington significantly reduces the risk of manipulation.
Unlike other methods, hair follicle tests in North Bennington provide unquestionable accuracy by minimizing the potential for sample tampering.
Our nationwide testing centers offer convenient access in North Bennington, VT.
North Bennington offers local and accessible testing centers, ensuring convenience.
With a simple and confidential process in North Bennington, VT, hair follicle testing is straightforward.
Hair testing in North Bennington guarantees a confidential approach, maintaining privacy.
Offering affordable pricing and quick results in North Bennington, VT, our hair testing services highlight value.
Our pricing models offer competitive rates with fast service in North Bennington.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests in North Bennington, VT, offer an edge over other methods. Accuracy is unmatched in detecting substance use, ensuring timely and reliable results.
Test results are available swiftly, providing individuals and organizations with speedy and accurate verification of drug use. North Bennington ensures efficient processing times without sacrificing the reliability of findings.
Employers in North Bennington, VT, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing.
Using hair testing secures compliance with workplace drug protocols, offering peace in North Bennington.
