Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extended record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is easy to perform, somewhat hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
An ideal sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair necessary for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair sample. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent amount of body hair is collectable. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four principal phases in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This step involves confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any added data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a rapid drug abuse check. The cost-effective Screening method helps exclude drug use in most samples, although court admissibility necessitates confirmation of any positive screens. All samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The process from Accessioning to Confirmation is comprehensively reviewed 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 being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the scalp’s hair follicle.
In Sheldon, VT, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in effectiveness. The drastically improved detection accuracy of hair tests reveals past substance use more reliably, making them a superior choice.
These tests provide more reliable outcomes, especially for employers and institutions seeking precise data without the risk of tampering or false negatives often associated with urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Sheldon, VT provides an extended detection window, revealing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. For employers, this extensive timeframe offers a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance activity.
With an ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period, these tests assist employers in making informed decisions through detailed insights into an employee's past drug usage.
In Sheldon, VT, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. The results are reliable and unquestionable, ensuring peace of mind for those relying on the data.
By drastically lowering risks associated with sample tampering, hair follicle tests provide a robust mechanism for obtaining credible results without the inconsistencies found in other testing methods.
Testing in Sheldon, VT is made convenient with numerous nationwide and local testing centers. These locations offer easy access to drug testing services, simplifying the process for all involved.
Our network of testing centers guarantees a straightforward, hassle-free experience, ensuring services are readily available to meet both local and national testing demands efficiently.
The process of hair follicle testing in Sheldon, VT is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is designed to protect privacy while ensuring ease of use for all participants.
With an emphasis on confidentiality, the process is streamlined to provide a seamless experience, allowing individuals to comfortably engage in the testing procedure without concerns.
In Sheldon, VT, hair follicle testing is offered at affordable rates with quick turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures deliver excellent value without compromising on quality or speed.
For companies of all sizes, this approach ensures that drug testing is not only cost-effective but also efficiently conducted, providing rapid results that aid in timely decision-making.
Hair follicle drug tests in Sheldon, VT offer unmatched precision and speed. With high accuracy levels in identifying substance use, they deliver results quickly and efficiently, providing reliable data for various stakeholders.
These tests stand out due to their ability to swiftly detect substance usage, ensuring that results are both precise and timely. They have become a preferred choice for those requiring dependable outcomes.
Employers in Sheldon, VT find peace of mind by using hair follicle testing to adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This practice reduces legal liabilities and bolsters workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with company policies, mitigating risks and creating a safer environment by promoting a drug-free workplace ethos and enhancing policy enforcement.
