Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a comprehensive history of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair may reveal up to a 90-day period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is easy, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil), and taken closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for testing and verification. For tests involving EtG, extras, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is first incorporated into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase is a preliminary assessment to identify potential drug abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means of eliminating drug use in most cases, any positive screen must be verified to be valid in a legal context. Samples with positive indications in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample show positive signs in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction stage. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.
Any positive findings from Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation, if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle residing beneath the scalp.
In Belchertown, MA, hair follicle testing has become a go-to choice over urine tests. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, capturing a wider timeframe of drug usage. While urine tests only cover recent use, hair follicle tests provide longer detection windows, thus making them a preferred option for many employers aiming for a comprehensive understanding of drug history.
One standout feature of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window in Belchertown, MA. This method can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a more comprehensive picture of a candidate's substance use over time. For both pre-employment screenings and ongoing staff checks, hair tests present invaluable insights into an individual's history.
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method of drug testing in Belchertown, MA. The stringent processes involved make it difficult for individuals to manipulate results, ensuring that employers and legal authorities receive reliable and unquestionable outcomes. This high level of security enhances the credibility of hair-based drug tests significantly.
With numerous nationwide testing locations as well as convenient local sites in Belchertown, MA, our services ensure a hassle-free experience for all. No matter where you are, the accessibility of our centers guarantees a quick and painless testing process, minimizing any disruption to your schedule while ensuring swift service.
Our drug testing process in Belchertown, MA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to collecting samples and receiving results, each step is streamlined to prioritize user privacy. We ensure that clients can comfortably navigate the testing process, secure in the knowledge that their information is handled with the utmost discretion.
In Belchertown, MA, we pride ourselves on offering affordable pricing for our services without compromising on quality. Along with competitive rates, our quick turnaround times provide companies with both value and efficiency, accommodating businesses of varying sizes by aligning with their unique economic and operational needs.
Hair follicle drug tests in Belchertown, MA, provide rapid and reliable results. Their precision ensures that substance use is accurately identified. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests offer a thorough investigation of drug history, accounting for their increasing popularity. Clients appreciate not only the speed but also the accuracy these tests deliver.
By integrating hair follicle testing into their protocols, employers in Belchertown, MA, can uphold their drug-free workplace policies with confidence. Ensuring compliance reduces legal liabilities and helps maintain a safe work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that hair testing offers a thorough examination of employee substance use.
