Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become a recognized method for detecting substance and alcohol use. Hair can offer an extended history of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair may provide approximately a 3-month detection range for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for examining and confirmation. For EtG, additional analysis, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it pertains to scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The primary stages of processing a drug test outcome in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of registering a sample in a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional information not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a favorable screen must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample indicates presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. At this point, 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 challenging methodology to conduct.
The confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed 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: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.
When it comes to detecting substance use, hair follicle testing in Wheelock, VT, offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Its accuracy and reliability set it apart, providing superior detection capabilities that give employers confidence in the test outcomes.
One of the major benefits of hair follicle testing in Wheelock, VT, is its ability to track drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This gives employers a broader perspective on an individual’s history of substance use, allowing for better-informed decisions.
In Wheelock, VT, hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample tampering, offering results that are virtually impossible to falsify. This method stands out as a trustworthy and tamper-resistant way to test for substance use.
The convenience of nationally available testing locations, including in Wheelock, VT, makes access to hair follicle drug tests easy. This extensive network ensures that individuals can quickly and conveniently undergo testing without hassle.
In Wheelock, VT, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential, addressing concerns of privacy and ease. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, individuals are assured a seamless and discreet experience.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Wheelock, VT, delivers excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This affordable approach ensures companies get the peace of mind they need without breaking the bank.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle testing in Wheelock, VT, provide unmatched accuracy for substance detection. These tests quickly yield results with high accuracy, ensuring that individuals and institutions receive reliable information about drug use.
For employers in Wheelock, VT, using hair follicle tests ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This approach minimizes legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, providing peace of mind while maintaining a compliant and secure environment.
