Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized for its efficacy in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended record of drug and alcohol presence by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness), taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses surpassing 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is advised. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Referring to head hair specifically denotes scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result is executed through four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This process verifies the sample’s seal and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial swift evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation to be legally accepted. Presumptively positive samples in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair from the original sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. In this phase, the extraction of drugs from hair is achieved at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging approach to execute.
Verification of any positive screening results is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples that test presumptively positive are cleaned prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the underlying hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carlisle, MA
Comparatively, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. Employers and professionals experience the benefits of an extended detection window and difficulty in tampering, making hair testing an optimal choice in ensuring truthful results and maintaining safety standards.
Extended Detection Window in Carlisle, MA
Hair follicle tests provide a much broader overview of substance use history, with the ability to trace drug use up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers to gain a deeper understanding of an applicant or employee’s past substance use, thereby aiding in the assessment of their long-term habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carlisle, MA
Hair follicle tests dramatically decrease the likelihood of sample adulteration. By ensuring a reliable and consistent testing process, these tests deliver results that are difficult to dispute, offering a robust solution to prevent tampering and maintain the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carlisle, MA
Our widespread availability of testing centers makes the testing process seamless for all. Nationwide and local facilities ensure that scheduling a test is quick and hassle-free, allowing individuals to access testing services easily and conveniently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Carlisle, MA
The process for ordering, completing, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is both straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy and user ease, making the testing process unintimidating and reassuring for those concerned about discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carlisle, MA
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times define our hair follicle testing services. This ensures excellent value for all company sizes, providing rapid results without compromising economic efficiency, thus supporting decision-making timelines.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carlisle, MA
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. These tests boast a high degree of accuracy, making them invaluable for detecting substance use effectively. Employers rely on hair testing for its unparalleled capability to provide dependable results quickly, thus streamlining the decision-making process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carlisle, MA
Utilizing hair follicle testing supports employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces the potential for legal complications and enhances overall workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind and ensuring a compliant operating environment.
