Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Great Barrington, MA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair can reveal a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can show drug and alcohol presence over roughly a 3-month period. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

Collecting a 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands, equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil, close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for analysis. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, it's suggested to collect 150mg of the sample. We advise using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other variations (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result process in laboratories includes the key steps of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step entails verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While it provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a screen yielding a positive outcome must be confirmed for legal acceptance. All samples presumed positive in Screening require a second confirmation.

When a sample tests positive at the Screening phase, extra hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.

Confirmations for any positive screenings are carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can uncover drug use up to 90 days back, whereas urine tests offer a shorter validation span.
• Cheating is exceptionally challenging: The accuracy of hair drug tests is heightened due to the difficulty in compromising them.
• Shows historical patterns: Provides insight into drug use patterns over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair strands.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Great Barrington, MA surpasses urine testing in several ways. Superior detection accuracy and reliability make it a valuable option.

Compared to traditional urine tests, hair tests offer a longer detection window. Comprehensive analysis ensures superior accuracy and reliability.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Great Barrington, MA benefit from the extended detection period of hair follicle testing. Up to 90 days coverage provides insights into an individual's substance history.

This broader timeframe offers a more comprehensive understanding of past drug use. Extensive detection empowers employers to make informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Great Barrington, MA, hair follicle testing significantly mitigates sample tampering risks. Reliable results ensure confidence in the testing process.

This tamper-resistant method provides unquestionably trustworthy outcomes. Unquestionable reliability protects against sample adulteration.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Great Barrington, MA offers convenient testing locations for easy access. Nationwide centers ensure quick and hassle-free testing services.

Our testing centers across the nation make the process simple and accessible. Convenient locations provide easy access to testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Great Barrington, MA is straightforward and confidential. Privacy and simplicity are at the forefront of our process.

Ordering and receiving results is easy and secure, ensuring client privacy. Confidential and user-friendly processes address privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and quick turnaround times are available in Great Barrington, MA. Competitive pricing offers excellent value for companies.

Fast processing ensures timely results, providing peace of mind. Quick and cost-effective solutions benefit businesses of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Great Barrington, MA, hair follicle tests stand out for their precision and speed. Quick and precise results make them highly reliable for detecting substance use.

Their high accuracy and quick processing offer dependable results. Fast and accurate detection is crucial for making informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Great Barrington, MA achieve compliance with workplace policies through hair testing. Peace of mind comes from adhering to drug-free policies.

Using hair follicle testing reduces workplace risks and enhances safety. Compliance assurance minimizes legal risks, ensuring a safer environment.

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