Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers in the growing hair strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month period of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount needed for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, an identical quantity of body hair might be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps involved in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a basic rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs validation to be accepted in a legal setting. Any specimens that appear positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at notably lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complex methodology available.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are tentatively positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In West Fairlee, VT, hair follicle tests provide an advantage over traditional urine tests. Their superior detection accuracy allows for a broader timeframe of substance use review, offering unmatched reliability.
Compared to urine tests, hair testing prevents adulteration, ensuring an accurate assessment. This makes it a strong choice for those seeking trusted evaluations over an extended period.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection timeframe, covering up to 90 days of substance intake in West Fairlee, VT. This provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history.
By utilizing this method, companies can evaluate an employee's or prospective hire's long-term habits, offering a clearer insight into their behavior over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In West Fairlee, VT, hair follicle tests offer a significant deterrent to sample tampering. The method reduces the possibility of manipulation, delivering results that are both trusted and verifiable.
Through rigorous testing procedures, these tests maintain a high level of integrity, making them a preferred choice for accurate substance detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Accredited Drug Testing offers easy access to testing services with locations across the nation and locally in West Fairlee, VT. Employees and employers alike benefit from our expansive network.
This extensive reach ensures a hassle-free experience, making drug testing straightforward wherever you may need it.
Simple, Confidential Process: In West Fairlee, VT, the process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be straightforward and private. Clients can rest assured that their information remains confidential.
This user-friendly approach addresses concerns about privacy, ensuring peace of mind throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: In West Fairlee, VT, we offer competitive prices and rapid test results, guaranteeing excellent value and efficiency for businesses of varying scales.
Our services balance quality with cost-effectiveness, essential for organizations seeking quick and reliable testing solutions without breaking the budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In West Fairlee, VT, hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their precision and speed. These tests ensure an exceptional level of accuracy in identifying substance use, thereby offering individuals and organizations dependable results.
Hair tests are an excellent choice for detecting various substances efficiently, providing more precise results than other testing methods. Whether for employment or legal needs, this method stands out in reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Using hair follicle testing in West Fairlee, VT, supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also boosts overall safety.
Employers benefit from the peace of mind that comes with maintaining a compliant and safe working environment, fostering trust and security among staff.
