Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 90-day history of alcohol and drug use. Collections are straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, about the thickness of a #2 pencil, typically containing roughly 200 hair strands, will yield 100mg—ideal for testing. For tests like EtG, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh samples using a jeweler's scale. If head hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' indicates scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, integrating the sample into the lab system. This phase checks that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial assessment for controlled substances. Though Screening effectively identifies drug use in most cases, court-presentable results require confirmation of a positive screen. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
In cases of presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is taken and prepared for Extraction. This step extracts drugs from the hair at much lower levels than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug testing demands rigorous methodology.
Confirmation of positive screenings is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS, with presumptive positives washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand being analyzed, not the scalp's follicle.
Berlin, MA prefers hair follicle testing due to numerous advantages over urine tests. This method offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it a top choice for rigorous testing standards.
Employers in Berlin, MA benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection period, which covers up to 90 days of drug use.
This extensive timeframe allows a deeper insight into a person's substance history.
Hair follicle tests in Berlin, MA provide a tamper-resistant testing method. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are difficult to adulterate, ensuring reliable
and unquestionable results.
With nationwide testing centers and local facilities in Berlin, MA, access to hair follicle testing services is fast and convenient.
This network ensures that all testing needs are met efficiently and without hassle.
The hair follicle testing process in Berlin, MA is simple and ensures confidentiality.
From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use for clients.
In Berlin, MA, competitive pricing and fast turnaround are central to our services. Companies of all sizes benefit from this approach, which provides excellent value and timely results.
In Berlin, MA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision in detection. Accurate results are delivered quickly due to advanced testing methodologies, making hair follicle tests a reliable choice for detecting substance use.
Businesses in Berlin, MA see the benefit of hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free policies.
This approach minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind for employers.
