Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands, hair offers a prolonged history of substance use. When collected from near the scalp, hair can reflect alcohol and drug use for as long as three months. The process of collecting hair samples is straightforward, it's relatively resistant to tampering, and it's convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands of hair, about the circumference of a #2 pencil, nearest to the scalp, constitutes a 100mg sample, which is optimal for screening and confirmatory processes. For EtG, additional or extended tests involving more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively means scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases involved in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system. This phase includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for substance abuse, serving as a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples. However, a positive result from Screening must be confirmed to be valid in a legal setting. All samples testing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirming any positive result from screening occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation when needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine testing lies in its enhanced detection precision and reliability. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests trace substance use over a much longer span, ensuring employers in New Brighton precise insights into substance habits.
Hair testing's superior accuracy stems from its ability to capture the presence of drugs consumed in the past three months. In contrast, urine tests often only cover recent use, leaving room for inaccuracies in identifying long-term patterns.
When comparing these methods, hair testing proves to be more reliable for companies aiming to uphold strict drug policies. Its extended window provides a clearer picture of an individual's substance history, making it a valuable tool for comprehensive screening.
An advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to monitor up to 90 days of drug use, giving employers in New Brighton an extensive overview of an individual's history with substances.
This extended detection span is particularly beneficial for companies looking to maintain drug-free environments. Unlike other testing forms, hair tests provide a comprehensive insight into past behaviors.
Employers find value in this broader coverage, as it aids in making more informed decisions regarding potential or current employees.
Hair follicle drug tests reduce the likelihood of sample tampering, ensuring dependable results in New Brighton. Such tests shield against meddling, a prevalent issue in other testing methods.
The robustness of hair testing deters adulteration attempts, safeguarding the integrity of drug testing outcomes. Employers benefit from this certainty, focusing on result accuracy and reliability.
Ensuring drug test results are trustworthy boosts confidence among employers who prioritize integrity in their workplace policies.
Accredited Drug Testing underscores convenience with nationwide centers, including locations in New Brighton. Our network ensures hassle-free and quick access to testing services.
Accessible testing locations offer employers ease in maintaining rigorous substance policies. The proximity of services enhances convenience.
Local and national availability of our testing centers reflects our commitment to service accessibility and customer satisfaction.
The hair follicle testing process in New Brighton is straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, the process prioritizes user ease and confidentiality.
Understanding privacy concerns, we ensure discretion at each step. This simplicity and confidentiality reassure individuals undertaking the test.
Such a process is designed to alleviate concerns, allowing a focus on the benefits of comprehensive testing methods.
In New Brighton, our competitive pricing and quick turnaround distinguish our hair follicle testing services. We offer excellent value, catering to organizations of all sizes.
Employers benefit from cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise on result speed and accuracy. Fast results foster efficiency in decision-making.
Our pricing structures are designed to offer peace of mind, making dependable drug testing accessible to all sectors.
In New Brighton, the effectiveness of hair follicle drug tests is marked by their speed and accuracy. These tests deliver precise findings promptly, making them invaluable for detecting substance use.
The rapid turnaround coupled with substantial detection accuracy sets hair testing apart. Individuals and organizations benefit from this promptness, allowing timely decisions based on the definitive data.
Employers appreciate the expeditious and reliable results, ensuring quick responses to substance use concerns. Efficiency in testing not only saves time but also aids in maintaining a safe and compliant work setting.
Employers in New Brighton seeking workplace safety and legal compliance find solace in hair follicle testing. This method upholds drug-free policies effectively, reducing legal vulnerabilities.
Comprehensive testing ensures adherence to regulations while minimizing risks associated with substance-related incidents. It contributes to a safer workplace environment.
Choosing hair testing aligns with responsible management, focused on compliance and enhancing workplace morale.
