Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a formidable instrument for the identification of drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing provides an extensive record by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of a burgeoning hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar volume of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process involves ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening incorporates an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a financially efficient method to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive screening necessitates subsequent confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples preliminarily positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the testing process analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outranks Urine Testing in Forestdale, MA: Hair testing provides superior accuracy and reliability when compared to traditional urine tests.
The Extended Detection Period offered by hair follicle testing in Forestdale, MA, is invaluable for employers. Unlike urine tests that only cover recent usage, hair tests can detect drug use over several months, typically up to 90 days. This method provides a more detailed view of an individual's substance history, aiding employers in making informed hiring or regulatory compliance decisions.
In Forestdale, MA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing is a key advantage. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are less prone to adulteration, offering more reliable results.The integrity of the sample is maintained due to the monitored collection process.
With our Extensive Network of testing centers across the nation and locally in Forestdale, MA, accessing our services is simple and convenient.
The hair follicle testing process in Forestdale, MA is Simple and Confidential, addressing privacy concerns. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results is streamlined:
Our hair follicle testing services in Forestdale, MA offer Affordable Pricing combined with rapid turnaround times.
In Forestdale, MA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. Accurate detection of substance use is a critical advantage of this method. The process ensures reliability, offering results that maintain integrity due to the comprehensive analysis process. This efficiency makes it a preferred choice for various organizations.
Additionally, the ability to produce rapid results enhances the operational workflow, allowing decisions to be made swiftly with confidence.
Employers in Forestdale, MA find Compliance and Peace of Mind through hair follicle testing. It aids in maintaining a drug-free workplace, aligning with regulatory requirements and minimizing legal risks.
