Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The examination of hair has emerged as an effective avenue for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged account of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tricky to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will amount to 100mg, which is ideal for assessment and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other variants (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result encompass four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is processed into the lab's database. This step confirms the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening offers a pragmatic approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample shows tentative positivity during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with tentative positivity undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite common references to "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Troy, VT
In North Troy, VT, hair follicle testing offers substantial benefits over traditional urine tests. With enhanced detection accuracy, hair tests are capable of revealing a long history of substance use, providing more reliable results.
Compared to a urine test, which only indicates recent drug use, hair testing significantly extends the detection window, often up to 90 days, enhancing the scope and depth of substance use insight.
Extended Detection Window in North Troy, VT
Hair follicle testing in North Troy, VT, offers a significant advantage with an extended detection window. Unlike other tests, it screens for drug use over a period of up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of one's substance history.
This extended detection period is invaluable for employers seeking to understand the long-term substance use patterns of potential or current employees, ensuring a safe and productive workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Troy, VT
In North Troy, VT, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant method for drug testing, reducing chances of sample adulteration. This method ensures that results are reliable and accurate, offering peace of mind.
Hair testing processes include strict protocols that ensure the integrity of each sample, making it nearly impossible to alter or cheat, providing trustworthy results every time.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Troy, VT
Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive nationwide testing facilities, including in North Troy, VT, ensuring that quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services is always available.
The strategic placement of testing centers allows individuals and businesses both local and nationwide to obtain testing services conveniently and efficiently, optimizing the testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in North Troy, VT
North Troy, VT, residents can take advantage of a straightforward, confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering to taking tests and receiving results, the procedure is designed to ensure ease and privacy.
Our process is structured to offer complete confidentiality and convenience, addressing and alleviating any privacy concerns from ordering through to obtaining results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Troy, VT
In North Troy, VT, hair follicle testing is offered at competitive prices with a fast turnaround, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug-testing solutions.
Our pricing structure ensures accessibility without compromising quality, and the rapid processing of tests allows for quick decision-making, making it an economical choice for any firm.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Troy, VT
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed, offering reliable detection of drug use. In North Troy, VT, these tests assure swift and accurate outcomes, establishing a dependable metric for substance use identification.
The technology behind hair testing is advanced, delivering precise results that ensure informed decisions for both individuals and employers. With high efficiency in detection, you're provided with results you can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Troy, VT
Utilizing hair follicle testing in North Troy, VT, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. It supports employers in maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
This method offers peace of mind by ensuring that employees adhere to company policies, effectively reducing liabilities associated with drug use in the workplace.
