Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screenings have emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When acquired near the scalp, hair can provide a detection timeframe of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the recommended amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. In this context, head hair denotes scalp hair exclusively, while body hair pertains to other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test result in the lab encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial phase of entering the sample into the lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient technique to dismiss drug use for most samples, any positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample displays a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the toughest procedures to carry out.
Any positive result from Screening is validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In North Hero, VT, hair follicle tests prove superior to urine tests for several reasons. Extended detection is a key benefit, capturing a comprehensive drug use history as opposed to short-lived traces in urine. Not only does this offer reliable data, but it bolsters efforts for maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
Hair testing outperforms urine tests through enhanced accuracy and the near impossibility of manipulation, securing trustworthy results.
Hair follicle testing in North Hero, VT, stands out with its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days.
In North Hero, VT, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the chance of sample manipulation. This robust testing technique leaves little room for adulteration, reinforcing the integrity of collected samples and ensuring trustworthy results every time.
Businesses and legal bodies can rely on the unquestionable validity of these test outcomes, promoting confidence in their drug testing programs.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with nationwide centers, including those in North Hero, VT.
In North Hero, VT, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, privacy concerns are a priority.
Clients can confidently rely on a straightforward process that respects confidentiality, catering to personal and professional needs effectively.
In North Hero, VT, testers benefit from affordable pricing and quick turnaround with hair follicle exams.
Hair follicle testing in North Hero, VT, offers exceptional accuracy and speed. Results are fast, allowing individuals and businesses to receive prompt feedback on substance use.
The hair testing method ensures a high level of precision in results, making it a preferred choice for assessing drug and alcohol consumption. This thoroughness helps in maintaining a secure and reliable environment in various settings.
For employers in North Hero, VT, adherence to a drug-free policy is paramount. Hair follicle testing aligns with workplace compliance, mitigating legal risks.
