Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the growing strand, offering a prolonged trace of alcohol and drugs. A sample taken close to the scalp allows for a detection timeframe of up to around 3 months for both alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is uncomplicated, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch strand sample comprising approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation processes. For analyses like EtG, add-ons, or when exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Usage of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. Should scalp hair be absent, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory handling of a drug test involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory's framework. It encompasses ensuring the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economically efficient method for negating drug presence in most samples; however, a positive result requires validation for court acceptability. Any samples indicating presumptive positives during Screening must have additional confirmation.
On identifying presumptive positives at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration level compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug screening as an intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples with presumptive positive findings undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine analysis in Northbridge, MA, the benefits stand out. Hair tests showcase superior detection accuracy against traditional means.
Benefits include:
In Northbridge, MA, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers a remarkable advantage. Unlike urine tests, which only reveal recent use, hair tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days.
This longer window allows employers to more accurately assess an individual's substance use history, providing a more comprehensive understanding of patterns and risk factors related to drug use.
This capability aids in making informed decisions regarding employment and policy enforcement.
One compelling aspect of hair follicle tests in Northbridge, MA, is their resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, these tests significantly lower the chances of adulteration, ensuring the results are reliable and beyond dispute.
The highly observed collection process mitigates potential tampering, offering peace of mind in the accuracy and integrity of the testing process.
With numerous testing sites across the country, including Northbridge, MA, our hair follicle testing services stand as a highly convenient option.
Advantages include:
Our hair follicle testing process in Northbridge, MA, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, procedures are designed to prioritize privacy and ease.
Clients can rest assured that their data is protected throughout the process, which is tailored to be as convenient and discreet as possible, addressing all privacy concerns effectively.
The pricing for hair follicle testing in Northbridge, MA, is structured to be very competitive, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. With fast turnaround times, our services provide excellent value, aiding companies of all sizes in achieving peace of mind through reliable and prompt drug testing services.
Our cost-effective approach empowers businesses to maintain safety and compliance effortlessly.
In Northbridge, MA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. Their high precision in identifying substance use outshines other methods.
Due to their high sensitivity, these tests offer unmatched accuracy, ensuring individuals are assessed correctly and promptly.
The swift analysis ensures results are delivered quickly, making these tests the ideal choice for those requiring rapid assessments without sacrificing reliability.
Employers in Northbridge, MA, benefit greatly from hair follicle testing when it comes to compliance and peace of mind. This method aligns perfectly with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal exposure and reinforcing safety.
By choosing hair tests, companies show their commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant work environment, fostering trust and ensuring adherence to regulations.
