Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a valuable resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By trapping biomarkers within the fibers of hair strands as they grow, hair offers a detailed history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can detect alcohol and other drugs for as long as three months. The collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirming results. When testing for EtG, additional substances, or more than 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair can be acquired. The term "head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s workflow. This involves ensuring the sample is sealed and transported appropriately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry that isn’t covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective for dismissing drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair but at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirming, all presumptively positive samples undergo washing as required. The complete laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strands, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Weybridge, VT, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to its extended detection capabilities. Hair tests are more accurate for prolonged substance use records, showcasing reliability unmatched by traditional urine tests. This makes hair testing ideal for enforcing strict zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Weybridge, VT uniquely captures drug usage history up to 90 days, providing employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance use. This extended detection window ensures a thorough understanding of the applicant's or employee’s past behavior, aiding in better hiring and management decisions.
In Weybridge, VT, hair follicle tests significantly minimize tampering risks, offering highly reliable and incontestable outcomes. This testing method’s tamper-resistance ensures that the results are accurate and trustworthy, protecting the integrity of the drug testing process.
Weybridge, VT boasts convenient access to drug testing services through our nationwide centers, ensuring a straightforward and hassle-free experience. With local facilities, obtaining a hair follicle test is quick and simple, highlighting the ease of availability and location convenience for all clients.
In Weybridge, VT, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step addresses privacy concerns, ensuring an effortless and discreet experience throughout the entire process for our customers.
Offering competitive prices and rapid result times, hair follicle testing in Weybridge, VT provides exceptional value. Our cost-effective pricing structures and efficient turnaround deliver peace of mind to businesses of various sizes, ensuring high-quality and timely services.
Hair follicle drug tests in Weybridge, VT offer prompt, precise, and trustworthy results, showcasing advanced accuracy in identifying substance use. With unparalleled detection capabilities, these tests ensure a high level of reliability, making them an essential tool for those seeking thorough and quick assessments of drug activity.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Weybridge, VT ensures company compliance with drug-free policies, reducing legal considerations and enhancing workplace safety. This reinforces peace of mind for employers, knowing they have implemented a robust drug screening solution that aligns with stringent policy requirements.
