Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. It provides an extended timeline of drug and alcohol use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is cut close to the scalp, it offers a detection window of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
To obtain a suitable sample, a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) is taken from the region closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels beyond 10, or other specific requirements, 150mg of hair is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be collected, equivalent amounts of body hair may be used. Note that “head hair” specifically means scalp hair, while “body hair” includes all other types such as facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test is comprised of the steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system, verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any necessary data entry beyond what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is an efficient way to exclude drug use for most samples, a screening result that is positive requires verification for legal admissibility. Samples that are likely positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows potential positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, the concentration of drugs is isolated at a significantly lower level than in other methods, such as urine or saliva, contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of potential positive screenings is executed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with suspected positivity are washed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The benefits of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Greenfield Town, MA are manifold. Hair tests hold a superior edge due to their enhanced accuracy and greater reliability in detecting long-term substance use.
Unlike urine tests, which detect recent use, hair follicle tests offer an extensive detection window. This makes them an invaluable tool for individuals and organizations committed to drug-free workplaces or policies.
In Greenfield Town, MA, Extended Detection Window is a pivotal factor where hair follicle testing triumphs. Such tests have the capability to identify drug usage over a period extending up to 90 days.
For employers, this prolonged window is crucial. It provides a thorough perspective of an individual's substance history, pertinent in making informed and safe hiring decisions in workplaces valuing integrity.
Greenfield Town, MA companies value Tamper-Resistant Testing Method offered by hair follicle tests, as it markedly lessens the risk of adulteration.
Hair testing ensures reliable and unquestionable results since samples are collected under supervision, eliminating the potential for tampering. This method promises confidence in its accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations alongside those in Greenfield Town, MA, ensure a seamless experience. Our expansive network provides quick and hassle-free access to testing services.
Individuals in Greenfield can enjoy the advantages of a testing network that spans the nation, securing efficient, reliable access to drug testing services, no matter the location.
In Greenfield Town, MA, the process is designed to be Simple and Confidential. From scheduling to collection and result retrieval, every step maintains privacy and ease of use.
Clients can rest assured that the hair follicle testing process respects their confidentiality while ensuring the accuracy of results, all executed with utmost simplicity and efficiency.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are cornerstones of hair follicle testing in Greenfield Town, MA, offering exceptional value for businesses.
Our competitive pricing structure, paired with swift result processing, ensures that companies of any size receive top quality service and peace of mind, all without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are obtainable through hair follicle drug tests in Greenfield Town, MA. These tests showcase precision and speed, making them indispensable for acquiring accurate information on substance usage.
Primarily, hair follicle tests boast high accuracy levels, screening for substances effectively. The process enables institutions to confidently determine the substance-use history of an individual swiftly and precisely.
Employers in Greenfield Town, MA experience Compliance and Peace of Mind through hair follicle testing. Implementing such tests allows them to uphold drug-free workplace policies.
These tests mitigate legal risks while elevating workplace safety and health. Emphasizing the consistent enforcement of these policies assures a safer and compliant working environment.