Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. Obtaining hair near the scalp allows for detection up to around a three-month span for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, perfect for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg collection is advisable. We suggest assessing the sample mass using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unattainable, collecting a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core procedures in lab processing for drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial integration of a specimen into the lab’s workflow. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for drug abuse. Despite being an economical approach to eliminate drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen needs further confirmation to be admissible legally. Specimens with presumptive positive results in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a specimen shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this step, drugs are drawn from hair at lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex technique to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screen result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The complete lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hamilton, MA, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests due to superior detection capabilities. Hair testing is renowned for its long detection window and accuracy, offering reliable results for up to 90 days. Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug history, acting as a robust tool for employers seeking assurance of drug-free status in the workplace.
Hair follicle testing serves as an exceptional method for extensive drug detection in Hamilton, MA, identifying substance use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This considerable window offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history, thereby aiding in informed decision-making for employment and ongoing workplace safety assurances.
In Hamilton, MA, hair follicle drug tests offer a remarkably tamper-resistant testing technique, minimizing the risk of sample manipulation. The collection process ensures the integrity of the sample, delivering trustworthy results that are critical for employers and legal authorities relying on the authenticity and precision of test outcomes.
Accessing drug testing services in Hamilton, MA, is straightforward and hassle-free with our extensive network of nationwide testing centers. These conveniently located facilities ensure that individuals and organizations can quickly and easily secure the testing services they need, with minimal inconvenience, enhancing the overall testing experience.
In Hamilton, MA, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be simple and confidential. Emphasizing ease of use and privacy, this streamlined procedure addresses concerns about sensitive information, ensuring that individuals feel secure and informed throughout the testing journey.
Hamilton, MA, businesses benefit from our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in hair follicle testing, yielding excellent value. Our affordable rates and expedited results provide companies of all sizes with the confidence and cost-effectiveness needed to maintain efficient operations while adhering to their drug-free workplace standards.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing ensures quick and reliable results in Hamilton, MA. This testing method boasts high accuracy levels, adept at identifying substance use with impressive specificity. The swiftness with which results are returned further adds to the value of this testing option, making it a preferable choice for both individuals and organizations seeking timely and credible data.
Employers in Hamilton, MA, can achieve both compliance and peace of mind by implementing hair follicle drug testing. This testing method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks while promoting a safe and productive work environment. It serves as a reliable measure for reinforcing company regulations and maintaining workforce integrity.
