Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a long-term overview of alcohol and various drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When clipped near the scalp, hair can present up to an estimated 3-month detection span for alcohol and additional substances. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair strand sample of around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluation and reaffirmation. For EtG, extras, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar volume of body hair may be gathered. In reference to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair variants (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample in a laboratory system. This comprises ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a primary swift check for drug misuse. Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, yet a positive screening demands confirmation to be permissible in legal settings. Samples appearing presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and aligned for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn out from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as one of the most intricate methodologies to execute.
The confirmation of any positive screening response is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples receive a wash before confirmation as needed. The entire lab protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the endorsement to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Haverhill, MA, it's clear that Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing for a multitude of reasons. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides a more secure method, ensuring higher detection accuracy and a reduced chance of tampering.
The superior detection capability of hair testing compared to urine tests is noteworthy. It captures a comprehensive history of drug use, offering robust reliability for employers and organizations in critical decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Haverhill, MA offers an Extended Detection Window of up to 90 days. This lengthy detection period allows employers to have a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, unveiling patterns that traditional tests may miss.
This exhaustive overview is invaluable, as it helps assess long-term substance use, ensuring that employers make informed decisions regarding prospective or current employees.
In Haverhill, MA, the Tamper-Resistant Testing Method offered by hair follicle tests minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This robust approach guarantees that results remain reliable and irrefutable, an advantage not always present with other testing methods.
By significantly reducing opportunities for manipulation, hair follicle testing ensures the integrity of the results, providing organizations with confidence in their screening processes.
With Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations, including in Haverhill, MA, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. Our expansive network ensures that individuals and companies benefit from seamless and quick testing procedures.
The availability of local and nationwide centers facilitates hassle-free access to high-quality testing, making it the preferred choice for organizations large and small seeking efficiency.
In Haverhill, MA, we offer a Simple, Confidential Process that respects privacy while delivering comprehensive testing services. From ordering to obtaining results, every step is designed to be straightforward and secure.
This process not only safeguards confidentiality but also eases client concerns, ensuring a user-friendly experience from start to finish, highlighting our commitment to client care.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are essential features of hair follicle testing in Haverhill, MA. We ensure competitive pricing, allowing companies of all sizes to benefit from our services without compromising on budget.
Our efficient processes guarantee a swift turnaround, reinforcing peace of mind and delivering exceptional value. Clients can trust in our commitment to cost-effective, high-quality testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are at the heart of hair follicle testing in Haverhill, MA. With our advanced methods, detection of substance use is highly precise and swift, ensuring that results are trustworthy and timely for all stakeholders.
The precision in our hair follicle tests is unparalleled, offering speed and reliability. This testing enables a clear, accurate evaluation of substance use, essential for individuals and organizations alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Haverhill, MA are achievable through hair follicle testing. This method not only aligns with drug-free workplace policies but also amplifies safety and reduces legal risks.
Employers investing in hair follicle testing can rest assured, knowing they're minimizing liabilities and fostering a secure working environment, complying with industry standards for health and safety.
