Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug use. It provides an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the likelihood of tampering is low, and it can be transported with ease.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. The term body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the beginning of a sample's incorporation into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any additional data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary check for abusing substances. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive result from Screening must be confirmed before it is legally accepted. Samples that presumptively show positive results in Screening need a secondary validation.
For samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair regulations and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine in Liberty Plain, MA are notable. Hair testing stands out for its longer drug detection window, lasting up to 90 days, compared to the much shorter timeframe of urine testing. This extended detection period provides a more comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history.
Moreover, hair analysis is less susceptible to tampering, bolstering its credibility and making it the preferred choice for many professionals handling substance testing.
Employers in Liberty Plain, MA benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection period, which spans up to 90 days. This gives organizations a broader perspective on an individual's substance use history.
With a 3-month retrospective view, employers can make informed decisions regarding hiring and maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing in Liberty Plain, MA is its difficulty to tamper with compared to other testing methods. This ensures that results remain trustworthy and resistant to manipulation.
The nature of hair sampling acts as a deterrent against sample adulteration, providing peace of mind with accurate and reliable outcomes.
With widespread accessibility, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient locations nationwide, including local options in Liberty Plain, MA. This guarantees a smooth and straightforward process when it comes to arranging and undergoing a drug test.
The presence of numerous testing centers ensures that getting tested is hassle-free, efficient, and accessible for everyone in need.
In Liberty Plain, MA, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns for all clients. Upon ordering a test, the steps are straightforward, with clear instructions on sample collection and result retrieval.
Confidentiality is paramount, ensuring that users' personal and test data remains secure, providing peace of mind throughout the testing journey.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests in Liberty Plain, MA, coupled with fast turnaround times to deliver valuable results efficiently. This cost-effective approach provides organizations of all sizes with affordable testing solutions.
By offering quick results, businesses can act swiftly in their decision-making, optimizing both time and resources.
Hair follicle testing in Liberty Plain, MA enhances both speed and precision of drug result analysis. Its ability to accurately gauge substance usage makes it an unparalleled tool in ensuring reliable drug monitoring outcomes.
The rapid turnaround time for test results allows for quick decision-making processes for employers and individuals in need of prompt conclusions.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Liberty Plain, MA ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing a safe working environment.
For employers, this method not only complies with regulations but also provides assurance of maintaining a drug-free workforce, fostering trust and security within the organization.
