Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers, hair testing can provide a comprehensive history of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, additional panels exceeding ten, it is advisable to gather 150mg of hair. We suggest weighing this sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. It’s important to note that head hair pertains strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results is structured into four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's workflow. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data entry required beyond an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for drug usage. Though an economical means to discount drug use across many samples, any positive screen must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Therefore, secondary confirmation is mandated for samples that are presumptively positive at Screening.
During Extraction, if Screening raises presumptive positives, additional hair is extracted for processing. This phase isolates drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as a more complex procedure.
Confirmation involves using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS for verifying any positive screening outcome. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positives are washed as needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny in line with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the assay concentrates on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Harwich Port, MA
Extended Detection Window in Harwich Port, MA
Hair follicle testing provides a long detection period of up to 90 days. This lengthy timeframe offers employers a thorough perspective on an individual's drug use, creating a complete profile of their substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Harwich Port, MA
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Harwich Port, MA
With facilities spread across the nation, our testing centers in Harwich Port offer seamless and hassle-free access to testing services. This national reach ensures that testing is both straightforward and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Harwich Port, MA
Our drug testing process is straightforward and discreet. From the initial order to test conduction and result retrieval, our focus remains on safeguarding privacy and ease of use at every stage.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Harwich Port, MA
We offer competitive pricing structures paired with swift result delivery, providing excellent value for companies regardless of size. Fast turnaround times result in peace of mind and efficient workforce management.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Harwich Port, MA
Hair follicle drug tests ensure precision and speed, offering high accuracy in detecting substance use. With minimal waiting time, they provide timely insights into an individual's drug history, making them a preferred choice for efficient substance abuse screening.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Harwich Port, MA
Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks. It enhances workplace safety by ensuring a reliable monitoring mechanism for substance use among employees.
