Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When extracted from near the scalp, hair may offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. The process of obtaining hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair might be gathered. When mentioned as head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Summary
The four principal phases in the lab analysis of a drug test sample include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning stage involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step confirms that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid inspection for substance abuse. While Screening efficiently excludes drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome requires validation to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a specimen be presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to conduct.
Verification of any positive screen result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a wash before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Hair drug testing benefits:
Drawbacks:
Note: Even though commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle testing in Wells, VT surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it the preferred choice for many organizations. With a longer detection window, hair testing provides a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Wells, VT offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, vastly exceeding the typical timeframe of urine tests. This superior detection period allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use over time, which is vital for informed decision-making.
A significant advantage of hair follicle tests conducted in Wells, VT is their tamper-resistant nature. The collection process minimizes opportunities for sample adulteration, providing reliable and unquestionable results. This ensures the integrity and trustworthiness of the testing procedure.
In Wells, VT, convenience reigns with numerous nationwide testing centers at your disposal. Offering hassle-free and easy access to testing services, our locations ensure swift and uncomplicated appointments, allowing you to focus on what truly matters without unnecessary delays.
Ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Wells, VT is a simple and confidential process. Designed with privacy and ease-of-use in mind, our approach ensures clients' concerns are addressed, providing a seamless and stress-free experience from start to finish.
Wells, VT benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Our affordable rates coupled with speedy result delivery offer companies of all sizes exceptional value, ensuring peace of mind without exceeding budget constraints.
In Wells, VT, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and accuracy. This method offers reliable insights with rapid processing times, ensuring you get the results quickly without compromising precision. With its ability to accurately detect past substance use, hair testing stands out as a superior choice.
For employers in Wells, VT, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies and provides peace of mind. This method minimizes legal risks, contributes to workplace safety, and upholds compliance standards, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
