Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four main procedures: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This encompasses verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective way to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methods to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive results is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo a wash before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the subscalp follicle.
In Accord, MA, hair follicle testing offers clear benefits over traditional urine analysis. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide more accurate and longer detection periods. Compromised detection accuracy and reliability issues are minimized, making hair tests a favored choice among employers and judicial systems. This assures a stringent analysis that traditional methods struggle to match.
Hair follicle testing in Accord, MA, stands out for its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance use. This timeframe gives employers a comprehensive grasp of an individual’s drug history, proving instrumental when evaluating personnel for roles that demand complete sobriety. By providing such in-depth insights, businesses can ensure they hire and retain dependable staff.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Accord, MA, is its tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly diminish the risks of sample adulteration or substitution, ensuring reliability. The stringent procedure for hair collection makes fraudulent attempts virtually impossible, providing a trustworthy verdict on substance use. This security is pivotal for maintaining test integrity.
Convenience is paramount with accredited drug testing locations available nationwide, including Accord, MA. Our centers are strategically positioned to offer quick and easy access to test facilities. The hassle-free process ensures individuals can undertake tests with minimal delay, aiding both personal and organizational needs in timely manner.
The hair follicle testing process in Accord, MA, is straightforward and private. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are designed to be simple, allowing individuals to maintain their confidentiality. This efficient, user-friendly approach alleviates concerns about privacy, ensuring a smooth journey from test initiation to end-results.
Accord, MA, benefits from competitive pricing and swift turnaround times with our hair follicle testing services. The affordable pricing structures ensure that companies of all sizes can avail comprehensive drug testing without breaking the bank. This ensures great value alongside the assurance of rapid delivery.
The efficiency and methodical precision of hair follicle drug tests set them apart in Accord, MA. These tests offer exceptionally accurate readings of substance use, helping employers make informed decisions. By identifying drug traces with a high level of precision, hair tests deliver swift and reliable results, contributing to a safer community. This ensures any detection is well-founded and factual.
Employers in Accord, MA, benefit greatly from hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Using these tests helps minimize legal risks, promoting a safer work environment. Peace of mind stems from knowing that the employees are committed to sobriety, thereby fostering productivity and security across organizations.
