Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair provides a comprehensive record of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When taken close to the scalp, it can offer up to a 3-month detection window for drug and alcohol use. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A hair sample of roughly 1.5 inches in length, consisting of about 200 strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil), collected nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplement tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample processing phase into a lab's system. This process involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data recording not supplied by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be admissible in court. Samples presumed positive during Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug screening presents the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are cleansed before verification if necessary. The complete laboratory processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests" actually examines the strand of hair, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing in Hampden, MA, stands head and shoulders above conventional urine tests owing to its advanced detection accuracy and exceptional reliability. While urine tests might miss recent use, hair tests cover a broader timeframe, providing a clearer, detailed picture of substance habits. This comprehensive scope satisfies both legal and workplace requirements, minimizing potential risks efficiently.
Boasting an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Hampden, MA, allows for a much thorough examination, with a reach of up to 90 days. Employers benefit by gaining a holistic view of a candidate's or employee's substance use history, making informed decisions based on comprehensive data rather than limited snapshots typical of shorter-cycle tests.
With Hampden, MA's hair follicle tests, the risk of tampering is effectively minimized, providing reliable results that stand up to scrutiny. This method dramatically decreases opportunities for altering samples, offering peace of mind to those relying on its integrity and accurate representation. It's nearly impossible to tamper, unlike more traditional methods.
With a network of convenient testing locations nationwide and in Hampden, MA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures seamless access to services. Our extensive infrastructure allows for rapid and easy testing experiences, minimizing logistical complications. This proximity to trusted centers simplifies the testing process, guaranteeing hassle-free and timely service for every stakeholder.
The process of hair follicle testing in Hampden, MA is both simple and confidential, enhancing privacy and ease of use for clients. From ordering to receiving results, each step safeguards personal data, ensuring discretion. Customers can engage with the process confidently, reassured by the straightforward nature and stringent confidentiality protocols.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Hampden, MA, making it an attractive solution for businesses of all sizes. This balance of affordability and efficiency renders hair follicle testing a preferred option, delivering excellent value and timely results without inflating operational expenses, ensuring peace of mind for every client.
When it comes to fast and accurate results in Hampden, MA, hair follicle drug testing is unrivaled. Offering a blend of precision and speed, this method efficiently detects drug usage, delivering reliable and clear outcomes. It significantly corners the market due to its unparalleled capacity to reveal usage patterns, serving as a trusted ally for employers desiring thorough assessments in quick timeframes.
Employers in Hampden, MA find solace in the compliance benefits of hair follicle testing. By utilizing this method, workplaces ensure adherence to drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks. This not only supports workplace safety but also reinforces organizational standards, offering peace of mind at every operational level and contributing to a productive environment.
