Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have become recognized as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing strand. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches of about 200 strands of hair (around the dimension of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, additional screenings, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg quantity is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If there is no scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary intake of a sample into a lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not supplied by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economic method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples that are initially positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are drawn out from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered one of the most complex methodologies.
Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined 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: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Proctorsville, VT, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior method compared to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine testing, hair analysis provides a much broader detection window, revealing drug use over months instead of a few days. Its ability to provide consistent and reliable results gives it an edge in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Proctorsville, VT, grants a longer timeframe for uncovering drug use. Employers gain an exhaustive overview of an individual's substance history, typically spanning up to 90 days. This capability surpasses other methods by offering detailed insight into past behavior, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Proctorsville, VT, offers a notable advantage with its tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are both reliable and trustworthy. Employers and testing agencies prioritize such credible outcomes to maintain integrity in their processes.
Our conveniently situated centers for hair follicle testing in Proctorsville, VT, and nationwide make access seamless and efficient. The broad network enables quick and effortless testing for individuals and businesses alike, negating transport hassles and ensuring timely services.
The straightforward and confidential nature of the testing process in Proctorsville, VT, ensures a streamlined experience for clients. Ordering, sampling, and result retrieval are handled with utmost privacy, addressing any concerns about confidentiality. This simplicity fosters trust and willingness among participants to engage with testing services.
In Proctorsville, VT, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, paired with swift turnaround times. This approach ensures that businesses, regardless of size, benefit from affordable and efficient services. Our pricing structure reflects our commitment to delivering value while upholding high standards in testing.
The high precision and swiftness of hair follicle tests make them an ideal choice for those seeking accurate substance use detection in Proctorsville, VT. These tests excel in identifying long-term drug usage with unmatched accuracy. Employers depend on this methodology for effective monitoring of substance use among employees, ensuring a safe working environment.
For employers in Proctorsville, VT, utilizing hair follicle testing provides peace of mind by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance reduces legal troubles and enhances safety within the work environment. Emphasizing such rigorous testing protocols fosters a sense of security and trust among staff and stakeholders.
