Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. By collecting hair near the scalp, it offers about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG additions and panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is preferred. It is advised to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a corresponding measure of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other forms, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four essential steps in processing a drug test in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the first processing phase where a sample enters the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. While a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most specimens, a positive result must be verified to be legally acceptable. All samples with an initial positive screen require further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", this testing method analyzes the hair strand itself, and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Melrose, MA, provides numerous benefits over traditional urine tests. One notable advantage is the superior detection period, allowing for the identification of drug use over an extended timeframe. Hair tests also deliver increased accuracy and reliability, representing a more comprehensive method for detecting past drug use compared to urine testing, which tends to be limited in its detection window and potential for tampering.
When it comes to identifying drug use, hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection window of up to 90 days in Melrose, MA. This method grants employers insight into the long-term substance history of an applicant or employee. With this comprehensive view, employers can make informed decisions that reflect a more accurate depiction of an individual’s drug use history, beyond the constraints of shorter detection periods offered by other testing methods.
Hair follicle tests in Melrose, MA, provide a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. The methodology significantly mitigates the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the test results. By minimizing the likelihood of tampering, these tests deliver reliable and unquestionable outcomes, which is a major advantage for employers who prioritize authenticity in their testing processes.
In Melrose, MA, the accessibility of our nationwide testing centers ensures that drug testing services are convenient and hassle-free. With numerous local and national facilities, individuals and businesses can easily access the required services. This extensive network facilitates quick and efficient testing, eliminating the stress associated with finding nearby locations for hair follicle testing.
Our simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Melrose, MA, ensures privacy and ease of use. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are designed to be straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns. This user-friendly approach simplifies the entire testing process, making it accessible to all users while maintaining confidentiality and trust.
In Melrose, MA, our hair follicle drug testing services offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This balance of affordability and efficiency provides excellent value to companies of all sizes. Whether large enterprises or small businesses, all benefit from the cost-effective nature and prompt delivery of test results, enabling quick and informed decisions.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Melrose, MA, stand out. Their high accuracy in detecting substance use ensures reliable outcomes. The quick turnaround coupled with precise results makes this method highly reliable and widely trusted. By leveraging advanced technology, these tests offer a definitive analysis that reinforces their reputation for dependability.
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace in Melrose, MA, brings compliance with drug-free workplace policies to the forefront. This practice reduces legal risks and enhances safety by ensuring that workplace policies are adhered to. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their drug testing protocols are aligning with legal standards and promoting a safe, compliant work environment.
