Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a valuable method, hair testing effectively identifies drug and alcohol consumption. It captures long-term alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. If extracted near the scalp, hair can indicate a detection span of roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for screening and further confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. Should scalp hair not be obtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When we mention head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary processing step for a sample within a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and performs any additional data input absent from an electronic chain-of-custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid evaluation for drug abuse indicators. Though Screening is an economical approach for discarding drug usage across most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal acceptance. Any samples suggesting a positive result in Screening demand further confirmation.
If a sample suggests positivity during Screening, more hair is extracted from the main specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome relies on GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples indicating presumptive positivity receive a wash prior to confirmation where needed. The entire lab process ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and the accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as “hair follicle testsâ€, the assessment actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Arlington, MA, hair follicle drug testing surpasses traditional urine tests because of its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing offers more extensive insight into substance use through its lengthy detection window, whereas urine tests provide narrower temporal detection. Thus, hair testing's ability to reveal longer-term substance patterns makes it a valuable tool for employer assessments and personal evaluations.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a standout feature in Arlington, MA. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, this testing method provides an expansive overview of an individual's substance use history. Employers gain a well-rounded understanding of applicants or employees, facilitating informed decision-making in workplace settings where substance history is critical.
Hair follicle tests in Arlington, MA offer a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly curbing the potential for sample adulteration. This security in testing ensures that results remain reliable and indisputable, enabling organizations and individuals to trust the outcomes. Such robust sample integrity is a vital advantage over other testing methods, reinforcing the credibility of results.
Our convenient network of testing centers across the nation and local locations in Arlington, MA makes getting tested a seamless, hassle-free process. Whether local or nationwide, individuals can access testing services quickly and easily, providing both employers and candidates with time-efficient and stress-free options for their testing needs.
In Arlington, MA, the simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing is designed with users' privacy and convenience at heart. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure confidentiality. Participants can rely on discreet handling of their information, making the entire experience straightforward and protected.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Arlington, MA, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our competitive pricing structures, ensuring peace of mind while receiving prompt and accurate results. Such efficiency in testing supports organizations in meeting their operational needs swiftly and economically.
Hair follicle drug tests in Arlington, MA promise fast, accurate, and reliable results, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use. These tests stand out due to their ability to deliver precision, offering a high level of accuracy with each evaluation. The efficiency and proficiency of hair testing ensure that individuals and employers alike receive results that are both trustworthy and promptly delivered.
Ensuring compliance and peace of mind, hair follicle testing aids employers in Arlington, MA to uphold drug-free workplace policies. By integrating this method, companies minimize legal risks, bolstering workplace safety. Employers gain confidence, knowing their workforce is screened effectively, fostering a secure, compliant working environment.
