Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Rather than monitoring immediate usage, hair documents a prolonged record of substance intake, capturing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. A sample taken near the scalp can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations over 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to assess the sample's weight. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair is an alternative. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing lab processing consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This encompasses ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any needed data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though it is a cost-efficient method to identify drug presence in most samples, a confirmed positive from screening is required for court admission. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases where Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), hence why hair analysis is regarded as a challenging technique.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples testing presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the standards set by ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marshfield Hills, MA: Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. They provide a more reliable overview of drug use, capturing a longer detection period and minimizing the chances of false negatives or tampering. As a result, hair testing is the preferred choice for accurate assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Marshfield Hills, MA: Hair follicle testing can reveal drug usage over an extended period of up to 90 days. This long detection window offers employers in-depth insights into an employee or applicant's drug history, allowing for more informed decision-making regarding their suitability and reliability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marshfield Hills, MA: Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering, significantly lowering the risk of sample adulteration. This feature ensures that the results are reliable and trustworthy, thus providing peace of mind to both employers and test subjects.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marshfield Hills, MA: Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation provides convenient access to services, making the testing process swift and hassle-free. This accessibility ensures that clients can easily and quickly utilize testing services with minimal disruption.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marshfield Hills, MA: The hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, designed to protect individual privacy while ensuring ease of use. Clients can comfortably order, undertake tests, and receive results, knowing their sensitive information remains private and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marshfield Hills, MA: Our competitive pricing alongside rapid turnaround times provides excellent value for companies of all sizes. Clients benefit from affordable solutions without sacrificing quality, making investment in drug testing a feasible and worthwhile decision.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marshfield Hills, MA: Hair follicle drug tests are noted for their speed and accuracy, swiftly identifying substance use with precision. Due to their comprehensive detection capabilities, these tests stand out as reliable, ensuring that results are both quick and dependable for those who need timely assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marshfield Hills, MA: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. This proactive approach assures companies that they adhere to industry standards, fostering a safer work environment.
