Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be retrieved. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four steps involved in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes validating that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be authenticated to be permissible in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire 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: Despite often being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Richmond, VT
Hair follicle tests outshine traditional urine tests due to their ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period. They provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, reducing the chances of missing chronic use.
Hair tests boast higher accuracy and reliability. They reduce false negatives and are less susceptible to adulteration, making them a preferred choice for employers committed to drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Richmond, VT
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain an insightful overview of an employee or applicant's drug use history, supporting informed recruitment and retention decisions.
With their ability to cover an extended timeline, hair tests capture habitual substance use that might otherwise be overlooked by shorter-term detection methods like urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Richmond, VT
Hair follicle tests are virtually tamper-proof, significantly lowering the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Due to the observed collection process, hair tests minimize opportunities for deception, fostering confidence in the results and supporting compliance with drug-free policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Richmond, VT
Our widespread network of nationwide testing centers guarantees quick and accessible services. This ensures that individuals and businesses can conveniently access testing services without travel-related delays.
Local testing availability in Richmond, VT allows for fast, seamless, and hassle-free testing experiences, making it easier for everyone involved to schedule and carry out the required tests efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Richmond, VT
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results is simple and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns. This ensures a smooth experience from start to finish, with respect for personal data.
Offering a straightforward approach, we maintain high standards of confidentiality, making the entire process hassle-free while preserving the privacy and dignity of all test participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Richmond, VT
Our testing services are competitively priced while maintaining fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes. We provide peace of mind without breaking the budget.
The combination of affordability and efficiency makes our services accessible, guaranteeing that clients receive timely and cost-effective solutions to meet their testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Richmond, VT
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. They excel in accurately identifying substance use, offering a quick and reliable method for obtaining test results. This efficiency ensures timely information for decision-makers.
The superior accuracy of hair tests in detecting drug use helps eliminate false negatives and confirms positive results more conclusively, enhancing trust in the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Richmond, VT
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in complying with workplace drug policies while reducing legal risks. It enhances workplace safety by identifying substance use with high accuracy, ensuring a drug-free environment.
With the ability to detect chronic drug use, these tests provide peace of mind, reinforcing employer commitments to safety and health without compromising on accuracy or reliability.
