Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly perceived as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The composition of hair retains traces of alcohol and drugs, capturing these indicators within its growing fibers. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it offers a detection period extending up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for initial testing and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or more than 10-panel tests, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the sample weight with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in integrating a sample into a laboratory's database. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data that an electronic chain of custody system may have missed.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug usage for many samples, a positive result necessitates further confirmation to be legally valid. Samples identified as potentially positive during Screening require additional confirmation steps.
In cases where a sample is preliminarily positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial collection and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.
Any confirmed positive result from Screening is validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all samples with initial positive results are cleansed as necessary. Every stage, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standard compliance.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly described as "hair follicle tests," the analysis itself targets the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Prevails in Wolcott, VT
Hair follicle tests hold an edge over traditional urine tests by demonstrating superior detection rates and reliability, assuring employers of accurate assessments.
This testing method provides a more robust detection window than urine tests, offering unmatched precision in identifying substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Wolcott, VT
Hair follicle testing offers a thorough insight into an individual's substance history, detecting drug use up to 90 days back.
This extended window ensures employers receive a comprehensive overview of potential hires or current employees' substance use habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Wolcott, VT
Hair follicle tests greatly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, providing reliable and unquestionable results that stand up to scrutiny.
The stringent observation and collection procedures ensure the integrity of every sample, leaving no room for manipulation.
Convenient Testing Locations in Wolcott, VT
With Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers, access to drug testing is straightforward and convenient, making it easy in Wolcott, VT.
The availability of local and nationwide locations ensures a hassle-free experience for conducting essential tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wolcott, VT
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Confidentiality and ease of use are paramount, ensuring a seamless experience for individuals and companies alike.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Wolcott, VT
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures, making it an excellent value for businesses large and small.
Fast turnaround times assure companies of timely results, reinforcing trust in our economical testing services.
Hair follicle drug tests in Wolcott, VT offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in identifying substance use makes them an ideal choice for effective drug testing.
These tests stand out due to their exceptional ability to rapidly detect substances with high accuracy, ensuring trust in the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Wolcott, VT Employers
Utilizing hair follicle testing keeps workplaces compliant with drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks.
Assuring a safe workplace, these tests not only protect employers legally but also uphold a drug-free environment.
