Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol use. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, offering a long-term record of alcohol and other substances. When taken from near the scalp, hair can provide up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This phase includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data requirements not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient means of eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Any samples displaying presumptive positives during Screening require secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a washing process as needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp
The preference for hair follicle testing over urine is evident in Weweantic, MA. Hair tests have the upper hand due to their superior accuracy and detection capabilities. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle examinations cover a broader detection timeframe, making them reliable. The pronounced benefits illustrate why they are indispensable in many testing scenarios.
Hair follicle tests are renowned for detecting drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. This makes them invaluable for employers seeking an in-depth understanding of a potential or current employee's drug habits. Their expansive detection window provides a thorough view of one's substance history, enhancing informed decision-making.
The integrity of hair follicle tests is unparalleled, offering a tamper-proof method of drug screening. This approach dramatically reduces the risk of sample manipulation, providing unquestionable results. The reliability of these tests is crucial for settings where accuracy and trust are paramount.
With testing centers spread across the country, accessing services in Weweantic, MA is seamless. Our nationwide presence allows for hassle-free drug testing experiences. The convenience of local and accessible locations simplifies the process, making it straightforward for individuals and companies alike.
The process of undergoing a hair follicle test in Weweantic, MA is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to sampling and finally receiving results, each step is designed with confidentiality in mind. Addressing concerns about privacy, the ease of use ensures a worry-free experience.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Weweantic, MA appealing. Catering to businesses of varying sizes, we offer exceptional value and reassurance through our cost-effective solutions and rapid delivery of results.
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision in uncovering substance use. With their ability to provide fast and reliable results, they outshine other methods. Designed to swiftly determine drug consumption, these tests are crucial for immediate evaluations. Their accuracy ensures that assessments of substance use are both trustworthy and comprehensive.
For employers, implementing hair follicle tests in Weweantic, MA means achieving compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests reduce legal risks and enhance safety, offering peace of mind. Ensuring adherence to regulations, they support a secure and efficient work environment.