Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can show a nearly 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp amounts to 100mg, the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale, weighing the specimen is recommended. If there is no scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair may be obtained. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory procedure of processing a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This process checks that the sample is sealed and shipped accurately, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data input not included via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening needs judicial confirmation for acceptance. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result are washed before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cheshire, MA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests in Cheshire, MA offer remarkable benefits. These tests boast superior detection capabilities, uncovering drug use for an extended period of up to 90 days, which exceeds urine testing's limited window. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations dedicated to maintaining drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Cheshire, MA
Hair follicle testing is known for its extended detection window, making it a powerful tool for employers. It reveals drug use over a period reaching up to 90 days, providing a thorough view of an applicant's or employee’s substance use history. This long-term detection capability sets it apart from traditional testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cheshire, MA
Hair follicle tests offer significant protection against tampering, ensuring the integrity of the sample remains intact. The testing process is designed to be resistant to adulteration, delivering results that are both trustworthy and difficult to dispute.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Cheshire, MA
Our comprehensive network of testing centers provides seamless access to hair follicle testing services nationwide, including Cheshire, MA. This widespread availability makes it easy for individuals and companies to find a nearby testing location, simplifying the entire testing process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cheshire, MA
In Cheshire, MA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, from ordering the test to receiving the results. We respect privacy concerns, ensuring that the entire procedure is conducted with the utmost discretion and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cheshire, MA
Our hair follicle testing services in Cheshire, MA are competitively priced, offering exceptional value. Combined with quick turnaround times, these tests ensure companies of all sizes receive reliable results promptly, aiding in swift decision-making without breaking the budget.
In Cheshire, MA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results, gaining popularity for their exceptional precision. The advanced detection technology ensures a high degree of accuracy, capturing a wide array of substances and providing prompt results within a few days. This reliability makes them a preferred choice for those who prioritize effective substance use monitoring.
The streamlined testing process not only accelerates result delivery but also provides employers and individuals peace of mind regarding detection reliability and efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cheshire, MA
Implementing hair follicle tests helps companies in Cheshire, MA adhere to their drug-free policies while minimizing legal risks. It enhances workplace safety and delivers confidence to employers, knowing they’re making informed decisions about their workforce.
