Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The hair captures long-term alcohol and drug activity by embedding the biomarkers within the strands. Collected adjacent to the scalp, hair offers nearly a three-month window for drug and alcohol detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, it resists tampering, and is simple to transport.
Securing a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in width) nearest to the scalp results in approximately 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, extensions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement is advised. Should head hair be unavailable, a proportionate amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair specifically means scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of logging a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry required beyond what an electronic chain of custody provides.
Screening is a preliminary, swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it’s a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified before it is considered admissible in legal proceedings. Thus, any samples presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration than seen in other processes (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples occurs before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In North Wolcott, VT, hair follicle testing offers unparalleled detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests, effectively uncovering substance use over extended periods where urine tests may fall short.
The reliability of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to provide a more thorough screening, capturing drug usage history up to 90 days prior, unlike urine tests, which only detect recent use.
Employers favor hair follicle tests over urine tests due to their higher detection rates and inability to be easily manipulated, securing workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
In North Wolcott, VT, hair follicle testing offers an expansive detection window, tracking drug use for up to 90 days, significantly longer than conventional methods.
Such a capacious detection period furnishes employers with a comprehensive perspective on an individual's drug history, aiding in informed hiring and management decisions.
By providing a continuum into the past substance usage, hair follicle tests reinforce their role as a pivotal component of drug-testing programs in North Wolcott, VT.
Hair follicle tests in North Wolcott, VT, present a highly tamper-resistant method, reducing the risk of sample adulteration significantly.
Compared to other testing methods, hair analysis is nearly impervious to manipulation, ensuring that results remain reliable and unquestionable.
This integrity in testing offers peace of mind to employers by guaranteeing honest results, supporting robust workplace safety protocols in North Wolcott, VT.
Convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in North Wolcott, VT, ensure hassle-free access to Accredited Drug Testing's services.
Our widespread centers allow for quick and easy testing, removing complicated logistics and ensuring seamless experiences for individuals and employers alike.
With testing facilities readily available, the process is made smooth and accessible, ensuring prompt service for all North Wolcott, VT residents.
Accredited Drug Testing in North Wolcott, VT, prioritizes a simple and confidential process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results.
The process guarantees privacy, addressing any concerns individuals might have over confidentiality and ease of use.
With straightforward procedures, the drug testing experience remains stress-free and focused on delivering accurate outcomes efficiently.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround in North Wolcott, VT, ensuring exceptional value across businesses of various sizes.
Our affordable rates and expedited service address the needs of employers looking for effective yet cost-effective drug testing solutions.
Companies benefit from our commitment to economical options while receiving prompt, credible results, enhancing organizational efficiency and confidence.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in North Wolcott, VT, make them stand out. These tests are noted for their high accuracy in identifying substance use, offering fast and reliable results that aid in swift decision-making.
With cutting-edge technology, hair follicle testing ensures quick and dependable detection of substance use, providing organizations with timely insights for effective intervention and support.
Employers value the efficiency and trust that comes with hair follicle testing, as it reduces wait times and enhances the overall reliability of the drug testing process in North Wolcott, VT.
Employers in North Wolcott, VT, gain peace of mind through compliance by utilizing hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies.
Such testing mitigates legal risks associated with workplace substance use, promoting a safer, more productive environment.
The assurance of compliant employees reduces liability and enhances the overall security and operational efficiency of businesses in North Wolcott, VT.
