Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When the sample is gathered near the scalp, it can detect alcohol and drugs for up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch piece consisting of about 200 hairs (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it’s advisable to use 150mg of the specimen. It's advisable to use a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary procedures involved in the lab processing of a drug analysis include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample’s initial entry into the laboratory framework. This step ensures that the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional required data entry beyond what an electronic chain of custody system offers.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result must undergo confirmation to be valid for court proceedings. Any sample with a presumptively positive outcome in Screening requires additional confirmation.
In cases where the sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from the hair at significantly lower amounts compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirming any positive Screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive cases are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sagamore, MA, the edge of hair follicle testing over urine tests is evident. Hair tests offer unmatched accuracy and reliability across several situations.
The most significant advantage is the longer detection window that hair tests provide, ensuring that employers can rely on results that reflect extended substance use history, unlike urine tests which show recent use.
The capability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over a 90-day period provides a deep insight into an individual's substance consumption.
Employers in Sagamore, MA benefit from this comprehensive view, aiding in informed decision-making regarding potential hires and current employees.
Sagamore, MA prioritizes dependable drug testing through hair follicle analysis that minimizes tampering.
Given the resilient nature of this testing method, it is increasingly challenging for individuals to manipulate results, providing employers and authorities with dependable documentation.
Our comprehensive network of nationwide testing sites, including Sagamore, MA facilities, guarantees seamless access to hair follicle testing.
Convenience is our priority, ensuring that individuals and organizations experience minimal disruption while obtaining necessary testing services in a timely manner.
Sagamore, MA venues offer a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing.
Clients can anticipate a privacy-respecting procedure, from test ordering to result acquisition, addressing any concerns related to anonymity and ease of engagement.
Economical pricing paired with rapid result turnover characterize Sagamore, MA’s hair follicle testing services.
Regardless of company size, organizations gain value from competitive costs and swift processes, making these tests an attractive option for budget-conscious businesses.
The swift and precise results from hair follicle drug tests in Sagamore, MA set them apart. By using this cutting-edge method, testing centers provide high-quality assurance in their detection of substance use.
Harnessing advanced technology, these tests efficiently detect even trace amounts of substances, ensuring that employers receive comprehensive and reliable analyses without unnecessary delays.
Employers in Sagamore, MA can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing.
This testing method not only mitigates legal risks but also promotes a safer work environment, delivering peace of mind for employers committed to maintaining a healthy workplace.
