Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When samples are collected close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the hair is somewhat resilient to tampering, and it is simple to mail.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is suggested to use 150mg of the hair sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, collecting an equal amount from body hair is acceptable. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair, on the other hand, includes all other types (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The process of lab examination for a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the procedure of registering a sample within a lab’s database, confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary check to identify drug use. While this stage is an economical method to rule out drug use in most cases, a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation for legal reliability. Samples that test presumptively positive in this stage must undergo a secondary confirmation process.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a much more diluted concentration compared to other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluids), underscoring the complexity of conducting hair drug analysis.
Any positive results from the screening phase are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before final confirmation as required. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is thoroughly reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often misnamed as "hair follicle tests", this procedure examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
When comparing drug testing methods in Carver, MA, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine tests. Not only do they deliver superior detection accuracy, but hair tests also provide reliability that urine tests often lack. This method ensures that employers and legal entities have a more dependable way to evaluate and monitor substance use effectively.
Hair follicle testing is unparalleled in providing a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, with a detection window extending up to 90 days. In Carver, MA, employers benefit from this extended period, gaining insight into an applicant or employee's substance use patterns. This extensive timeline aids in making informed decisions about workplace safety and compliance.
In Carver, MA, hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration, ensuring the integrity of results. Employers can trust this method to provide unquestionable outcomes, reducing the risk of false negatives or tampered samples in the screening process.
Offering wide accessibility, our testing centers in Carver, MA, and nationwide provide a convenient solution for drug testing needs. This extensive network ensures that testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free, allowing individuals and companies to access our services with minimal disruption to their schedules.
In Carver, MA, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is tailored for privacy and ease of use. Clients can trust that their information remains secure throughout the process, addressing any concerns about confidentiality.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Carver, MA make hair follicle testing an attractive choice for companies. Organizations of all sizes benefit from our affordability, receiving excellent value without compromising on the speed and accuracy of results. This balance ensures cost-efficiency and prompt decision-making.
In Carver, MA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. Offering reliable detection of substance use, these tests quickly provide employers with accurate results, ensuring timely decisions about applicants or employees. Hair analyses are methodically conducted, leading to superior accuracy and helping organizations maintain high standards in the workplace.
Employers in Carver, MA can enjoy peace of mind and greater compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and enhances overall safety. With the ability to detect substance use over a longer period, employers ensure adherence to regulations while promoting a secure working environment.
