Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairhaven, MA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow, hair provides an extended record of alcohol and drug presence. When hair samples are taken adjacent to the scalp, they can offer around a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar volume of body hair can serve as an alternative. 'Head hair' specifically refers to hair from the scalp, whereas 'body hair' pertains to all other types of hair (including facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The primary phases in lab processing for a drug test outcome involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning deals with the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This consists of confirming that the sample is sealed and has been shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra information not covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening performs an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-effective means to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen result must be validated for legal acceptability. Any samples appearing positive through Screening compel a secondary confirmation.

If a sample turns out presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are distilled from hair at notably lower concentration levels than what's typical with other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the more challenging methods to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing presumptive positive are cleaned before confirmation where necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug tests can unveil drug usage for as long as 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which offer a shorter detection duration.
• Challenge to manipulate results: It is notably hard to deceive a hair drug test, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Supplies chronological data: It can illustrate a pattern of drug usage over a timeframe, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent usage: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually incur higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fairhaven, MA highlights a significant advantage in the testing landscape. Hair testing boasts a superior detection period and offers a robust and tamper-proof solution unlike traditional urine tests. This method permits a comprehensive review of an individual's history, ensuring no deceptive practices skew the results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window is one of the salient features of hair follicle testing in Fairhaven, MA. Unlike other methods, it traces drug usage over a period extending up to 90 days. This extensive window provides employers a wider view into the applicant or employee's history, essential for informed decision-making regarding employment and organizational safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method is achieved through hair follicle tests in Fairhaven, MA, reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. The method's design makes it difficult to compromise, providing reliable results that are trusted by employers and institutions looking to enforce strict substance use policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fairhaven, MA ensure that accessing testing services is both quick and easy. With a network of testing centers across the country, we facilitate hassle-free testing experiences for individuals and organizations, streamlining access to necessary procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Fairhaven, MA places emphasis on ease of access and discretion. From ordering a test to delivering results, every step is tailored to protect confidentiality, allowing individuals to participate in a process that is both straightforward and respectful of their privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround defines our commitment in Fairhaven, MA. By offering competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, we provide excellent value to organizations of all sizes, ensuring that budget constraints do not hinder adherence to safety and compliance standards.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results can be achieved through hair follicle testing, offering precision that is unmatched by other methods. By leveraging advanced techniques, testers in Fairhaven, MA can identify substance use quickly and to a high degree of accuracy, ensuring that employers or authorities receive dependable data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers is assured through hair follicle testing in Fairhaven, MA. By implementing this method, employers can uphold drug-free policies, thereby ensuring compliance and minimizing legal exposure. This testing method supports creating a safer workplace environment.

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