Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now regarded as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol use. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug activity by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about three months' worth of substance and alcohol activity. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional checks, and/or exams over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent portion of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a specimen into a lab’s framework. This process includes verifying that the sample was securely sealed and properly delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data entry not given by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be accepted in a court of law. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary verification.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentration levels than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Orleans, VT
In the realm of drug testing, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests. A primary benefit is its long-term detection capability, capturing drug use over months. This provides employers and authorities peace of mind through enhanced substance use insights, making it a preferred choice.
Superior Detection Accuracy is another compelling reason for favoring hair tests. Unlike urine tests, which only capture recent substance use, hair tests track usage over extended periods, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Orleans, VT
Hair follicle testing stands out for its remarkable detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This duration eclipses that of other methods, allowing employers in Orleans, VT, to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's long-term substance use habits, critical for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
It's this extended window that makes hair testing an attractive option. By capturing historical data, it offers a well-rounded profile of an individual's potential risk related to substance abuse, enhancing decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Orleans, VT
Hair follicle drug tests provide a robust defense against sample adulteration. In Orleans, VT, this testing method significantly lowers the chances of manipulation, ensuring that results are both reliable and credible. The nature of hair allows for a secure sample collection, making tampering nearly impossible.
Employing advanced collection techniques, these tests guarantee accuracy by maintaining the integrity of the sample from collection to analysis, thus fostering trust in testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Orleans, VT
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience through our widespread network of testing centers, including locations in Orleans, VT. This setup facilitates swift and hassle-free access to our services, making the process of obtaining a drug test seamless for all individuals, regardless of their location.
Our accessible testing dynamic ensures that those in need can quickly secure the necessary assessments, eliminating stress associated with logistical challenges.
Simple, Confidential Process in Orleans, VT
We prioritize simplicity and confidentiality in our testing procedures. In Orleans, VT, individuals can expect a streamlined process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results, safeguarding their privacy and providing them with ease of use. Clear instructions and secure handling ensure peace of mind throughout the entire process.
By emphasizing confidentiality, we foster trust and reliability, assuring users that their sensitive information remains protected and undisclosed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Orleans, VT
Accredited Drug Testing is committed to offering cost-effective solutions with expedient turnaround times. In Orleans, VT, our competitive pricing models are designed to meet the financial needs of diverse organizations, ensuring that quality drug testing is accessible without compromising on speed and reliability.
Our fast processing not only delivers quick results but also provides exceptional value, enabling companies to make timely and informed decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Orleans, VT
The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. In Orleans, VT, our testing services ensure rapid and reliable results. Due to their meticulous testing procedures, hair follicle tests can swiftly detect various substances with remarkable accuracy, providing individuals and businesses with dependable data on substance use.
High Accuracy is a hallmark of hair testing. The cutting-edge technology utilized ensures even trace amounts of substances are detected, minimizing false negatives and delivering confident diagnostics for those involved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Orleans, VT
For employers, implementing hair follicle testing enhances compliance with drug-free policies, mitigating legal challenges and promoting a safer working environment. In Orleans, VT, such testing is instrumental in maintaining rigorous workplace standards, providing reassurance to both employers and employees.
Risk Reduction is central to these testing methods, as they help avoid the pitfalls of undetected substance use, thereby reducing potential liabilities and preserving operational integrity.
