Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it presents a comprehensive history of drug and alcohol consumption. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for approximately three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
Drug test lab processing involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of incorporating a sample into a lab's system, involving verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a swift preliminary drug check. This initial stage can efficiently exclude drug use in most samples, yet any positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Presumptively positive samples require subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample returns a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is collected for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is particularly challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques confirm any positive screening outcomes. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly vetted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Littleton, MA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering superior accuracy and reliability. Compared to urine tests, hair tests provide a broader detection window, capturing a longer period of drug history. This grants enhanced accuracy, significantly reducing false results.
Hair follicle tests in Littleton, MA offer an extended detection window of up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough insight into a person's substance use patterns. This longer time frame surpasses traditional methods, giving a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Littleton, MA is notably tamper-resistant, greatly minimizing the risk of adulteration. This method ensures that test results are reliable, leaving little room for manipulation. Such a robust testing approach guarantees the integrity of the screening process.
With convenient testing centers across America, including Littleton, MA, access to hair follicle testing services is swift and hassle-free. These nationwide locations ensure quick and easy testing, providing smooth service to meet various needs efficiently.
The process of hair follicle testing in Littleton, MA is straightforward and confidential. This ease of ordering, testing, and receiving results respects privacy and simplifies the procedure for users, addressing convenience and confidentiality concerns effectively.
Offering competitive pricing and speedy results, our hair follicle testing services in Littleton, MA provide excellent value. This cost-effectiveness ensures satisfaction for companies of all sizes, delivering quick results without compromising on budget constraints.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Littleton, MA is unparalleled. Offering quick turnaround times, these tests ensure accurate substance detection, surpassing traditional methods. Their ability to accurately identify drug use improves decision-making for employers and legal bodies.
In Littleton, MA, using hair follicle tests allows employers to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing offers peace of mind by minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, helping companies maintain a secure and compliant work environment.