Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It offers an extended timeline of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. If taken close to the scalp, it can present a detection span of nearly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100 mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150 mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample's weight is recommended. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase where a sample is logged into a laboratory’s system. It involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive indication necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening require further verification.
Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting substances from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening is among the most intricate methodologies.
The confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Monument Beach, MA: Hair follicle tests significantly surpass traditional urine tests, offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests have their uses, hair testing can detect substance use over a much longer period, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's history.
Extended Detection Window in Monument Beach, MA: Hair follicle testing provides a prolonged detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days back. This extended period gives employers a complete perspective on an employee or applicant's substance use history, aiding in more informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Monument Beach, MA: Hair follicle tests are designed to be tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. This ensures that results are both reliable and indisputable, giving employers confidence in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Monument Beach, MA: We provide a network of nationwide testing centers for easy and hassle-free testing access. This ensures that individuals can quickly reach a testing location without unnecessary delays or complications.
Simple, Confidential Process in Monument Beach, MA: Our process for ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward and discreet, addressing concerns of privacy and ease of use. Clients can rest easy knowing their information is handled with the utmost confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Monument Beach, MA: We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value and by providing peace of mind to businesses of all sizes. This makes high-quality testing accessible without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Monument Beach, MA: Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and rapid turnaround, making it a highly accurate choice for substance detection. The method offers quick results while maintaining high standards of accuracy, ensuring that individuals receive definitive and credible outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Monument Beach, MA: Adopting hair follicle testing helps companies maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety across the workplace. Employers can rest assured knowing they are upholding stringent standards.
