Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly become an influential means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a prolonged record of alcohol and other drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can show a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches and around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional substances, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean hair from the scalp. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug testing result in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially entering a sample into a lab's workflow. This process includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening serves as an initial basic check for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to identify drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases where Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, more hair is separated from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
The Confirmation step for any positive Screening outcomes is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that test positively in Screening are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the laboratory’s protocol is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test actually analyzes the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Leads Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests in Readsboro, VT, by providing superior detection accuracy over longer periods. This form of testing is essential for employers to assess an applicant's or employee's substance use accurately.
Enhanced Accuracy Unlike urine testing, hair testing offers reliability with a broader detection window, minimizing tampering risks, and ensuring peace of mind for employers.
Lengthy Detection Period A key benefit of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drugs over an extended time frame of up to 90 days. Employers in Readsboro, VT, gain an all-inclusive view of a person's substance history, surpassing shorter detection methods.
Comprehensive History Hair testing provides a detailed analysis of past drug use, offering employers in Readsboro an insightful tool for evaluating applicant reliability.
Unmatched Security Hair follicle tests in Readsboro, VT, offer a tamper-resistant testing method that significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are reliable and trustworthy.
Integrity First By using hair analysis, Readsboro employers can be confident in the authenticity of results, as the testing method virtually eliminates tampering attempts.
Nationwide Convenience Accredited Drug Testing provides accessible locations for hair testing across the country, including Readsboro, VT, ensuring that clients have quick and easy access to necessary tests without hassle.
Local Accessibility With local centers in Readsboro, VT, getting a hair follicle test is both convenient and straightforward, providing residents with prompt service.
Effortless Process The hair testing process in Readsboro, VT, is straightforward and ensures privacy. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results are simple, guaranteeing confidentiality and ease for all participants.
Private and Direct Residents of Readsboro can trust the hair testing system to protect their privacy while ensuring efficient and stress-free service.
Cost-Effectiveness Hair follicle testing in Readsboro, VT, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Quick and Economical Offering reasonable rates, the testing service ensures companies in Readsboro can affordably manage their substance testing needs without delays.
Fast and Precise Results Hair follicle drug testing in Readsboro, VT, offers unmatched speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. The precision of hair testing makes it a reliable method for employers and individuals seeking comprehensive results.
Reliable Outcomes With hair testing, the chance of inaccurate results is minimal. Its advanced technology provides employers the assurance they need in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace environment.
Compliance Assured Adopting hair follicle testing, Readsboro, VT, employers can strengthen their drug-free workplace policies. This reduction in legal risks enhances safety and compliance in the workplace.
Employer Peace of Mind The certainty offered by hair testing policies helps Readsboro businesses maintain integrity and bolster policy enforcement, ultimately ensuring a safer working environment.
