Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessment is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair holds a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drugs, capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as they grow. When taken near to the scalp, the sample can offer a drug and alcohol detection window up to roughly three months. Hair samples are easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to mail.
A 1.5-inch segment entailing roughly 200 hair strands (nearly the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, deemed ideal for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or when exceeding 10 panel tests, 150mg of sample is recommended. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair strictly. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory process comprises four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a specimen into the lab’s system. It ensures the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening delivers a speedy preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While it offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive outcome demands confirmation to be legally defensible. Any specimens showing presumptive positives during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample reflects a presumptively positive result at the Screening step, additional hair is sourced from the original sample and processed for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations relative to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most complex methodology.
Positive screening confirmations are executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleaned prior to confirmation where needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol along with ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis occurs on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine testing in Berkley, MA due to its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests that primarily reveal recent drug use, hair tests provide insights into long-term patterns, making them more reliable for thorough assessments. Employers favor this method for its precision and comprehensive results.
The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Berkley, MA is a major advantage for employers. It can trace drug use for up to 90 days, offering a broad overview of an individual's substance habits. This long-term detection is invaluable for understanding the applicant or employee's past use, ensuring informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests are highly tamper-resistant, a key advantage in Berkley, MA. The testing method minimizes the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are reliable and unquestionable. This added layer of security makes it difficult for individuals to cheat the test, maintaining the integrity of the screening process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations are available in Berkley, MA, ensuring easy access to hair follicle testing. Our widespread network of centers allows individuals to find local and hassle-free testing options, streamlining the process for communities nationwide and providing quick and efficient service at all times.
The process for hair follicle testing in Berkley, MA is Simple and Confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to prioritize user privacy and ease of use. Clear instructions and support are provided throughout, ensuring users feel secure and informed while maintaining discretion throughout the testing experience.
We offer Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround for hair follicle tests in Berkley, MA. Our competitive pricing structures and speedy result delivery ensure that companies, regardless of size, receive excellent value. This allows for effective planning and quick implementation of necessary measures when results are received.
Fast and Reliable Results are key when it comes to hair follicle drug tests in Berkley, MA. These tests are highly precise, offering quick insights into substance use history. Their accuracy ensures any detection of drugs is trustworthy, making them a preferred choice among employers and organizations seeking fast resolutions.
Employers in Berkley, MA gain Compliance and Peace of Mind through hair follicle testing. It aids in upholding drug-free workplace policies, which in turn reduces potential legal risks. This testing method enhances safety by ensuring that employees are adhering to the established guidelines, contributing to a more secure work environment.