Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical overview of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When acquired near the scalp, hair can supply about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for screening and confirming. For EtG, additional tests, or testing above 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. When head hair is mentioned, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key phases in laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial assimilation of a sample into a lab’s system. This process checks if the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a swift preliminary check for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result in screening needs confirmation to stand in legal proceedings. Samples that screen as potentially positive require a subsequent confirmation.
In instances of a sample being possibly positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In the city of West Haven, hair follicle testing emerges as a superior choice over traditional urine exams. Key advantages include accuracy and an extended detection time, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug history.
Unlike regular urine-based analyses, hair assessments are not susceptible to manipulations, ensuring reliable outcomes.
One significant advantage of hair testing is its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This lengthier period allows West Haven employers a broader look into an individual's substance use history.
This comprehensive assessment helps in making informed decisions, ensuring the workforce remains robust and reliable.
In West Haven, VT, hair follicle testing is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing risks associated with sample adulteration.
The procedure’s inherent design ensures that results remain trustworthy and difficult to challenge, delivering unmatched confidence in interpretations.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including facilities in West Haven, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free and efficient.
Our strategically placed centers promise swift and easy service accessibility, reducing logistical headaches for all users.
The drug testing process in West Haven is notably simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results is made seamless and private, prioritizing individual privacy throughout.
This simplicity ensures that concerns about usability and confidential handling are addressed effectively.
Accredited Drug Testing delivers affordable solutions combined with rapid turnaround times in West Haven, leading to exceptional value propositions for companies of all scales.
Competitive pricing structures ensure financial accessibility while maintaining high service standards and reliability.
Hair follicle testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable results in West Haven. Speed in results delivery ensures that information is swiftly relayed to necessary parties, offering exceptional precision in substance detection.
Accuracy is pivotal, and these tests boast some of the highest rates in identifying drug use, making them a favored choice for numerous institutions prioritizing precision.
For employers in West Haven, utilizing hair follicle tests instills peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace initiatives.
It enhances safety and diminishes legal concerns, supporting a secure and health-focused environment for all those involved.