Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeline of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be obtained. The reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's initial processing within a laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be considered admissible in court. Any samples initially positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening stage, more hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Dunstable, MA, for its superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. A primary advantage is its extended detection period, allowing for the identification of substance use over a longer timeframe, highlighting a more comprehensive history without the time constraints of urine tests.
Superior Detection
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window in Dunstable, MA, allowing drug use to be identified over a period of up to 90 days. This long timeframe provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, surpassing traditional testing methods.
Comprehensive Insight
In Dunstable, MA, hair follicle tests are celebrated for their tamper-resistant properties. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, providing reliable and unquestionable results.
Reliable and Secure
With convenient testing locations in Dunstable, MA, and nationwide, hair follicle testing services are easily accessible. Our expansive network ensures that individuals can access testing services with minimal effort, removing hassles commonly associated with drug testing.
Accessibility
The process of hair follicle testing in Dunstable, MA, is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use throughout the ordering and results process.
Privacy and Convenience
Our testing services in Dunstable, MA, combine affordable pricing with fast turnaround times, ensuring companies of all sizes receive excellent value and peace of mind. Our commitment to competitive pricing structures reinforces our role as a cost-effective solution.
Value and Efficiency
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Dunstable, MA, are unparalleled. By utilizing advanced technology, these tests not only ensure accurate results but also deliver them swiftly. The ability to detect substance use with high accuracy is a significant advantage for those seeking timely and definitive answers. This makes hair testing a preferred option for various stakeholders.
Speed and Accuracy
Hair follicle tests outperform many traditional methods in delivering fast and reliable results. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for organizations and individuals requiring prompt decisions based on drug test outcomes.
Employers in Dunstable, MA, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with workplace substance policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and promotes a safe working environment.
Compliance and Assurance
