Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can supply a detection range of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional elements, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg portion of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a proportional amount of body hair might be collected. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test sample involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial coordination of a sample into the lab's system. This stage includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial rapid test for drug presence. Although it’s an economical method to rule out drug use in most cases, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples with positive results in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample yield a positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Potentially positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently dubbed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis pertains to the hair strand, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In Lexington, MA, hair follicle tests present clear advantages over traditional urine methods. They offer superior detection capabilities, with a longer drug traceability span. Ensuring unparalleled accuracy, employers benefit from robust screening that urine tests can't match. Hair tests offer reliable and definitive insights into substance use.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Lexington, MA, offers an extended detection timeline, typically capturing up to 90 days of substance use history. This extensive window provides employers with a complete perspective on an individual's long-term drug exposure, making it an invaluable tool for evaluating a person's drug-use history accurately.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Lexington, MA, hair follicle tests excel in minimizing the potential for sample tampering. The inherent characteristics of hair specimens make adulteration both challenging and unlikely, ensuring results remain trustworthy. This robust methodology reinforces the test's credibility among employers and testing facilities alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: With accessible testing centers across the nation and locally in Lexington, MA, our services offer hassle-free testing experiences. Clients benefit from swift, straightforward access to facilities, easing the logistics of drug screening seamlessly and efficiently. Nationwide availability ensures maximum reach and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process: In Lexington, MA, the testing procedure is designed to be straightforward and private. Ordering, participation, and results retrieval are seamless, ensuring confidentiality is respected throughout. This transparent approach addresses privacy concerns, fostering client trust while maintaining simplicity in process handling.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: Our competitive pricing structure in Lexington, MA, is matched with quick processing, offering extensive value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from a cost-effective, efficient service that delivers peace of mind. The service balances affordability with rapid results, cementing its appeal.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering precise and prompt results in Lexington, MA. This method boasts high accuracy, successfully identifying substance use even months after ingestion. The streamlined testing process ensures that clients benefit from swift and error-free outcomes, significantly contributing to its reputation.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Adopting hair follicle testing in Lexington, MA, supports workplace policy adherence, enhancing safety and legal security. Employers gain assurance through a consistent, drug-free approach, reducing liabilities and fostering a safe work environment. This method is critical for policy compliance and risk mitigation.
