Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluation is recognized as an effective means of detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. If taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection duration for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we solely refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a specimen into a laboratory’s intake. This involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any auxiliary data entry absent from an electronic custody chain.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use in most specimens, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require subsequent verification.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, further hair from the original specimen is extracted and prepared for the Extraction phase. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Middleborough, MA
Hair follicle testing offers a significant edge over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a more reliable and comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, making it the preferred choice for thorough screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Middleborough, MA
The primary advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to reveal drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This broad detection window offers employers a detailed understanding of an individual's substance use habits, which is invaluable for making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Middleborough, MA
Hair follicle tests stand out for their robustness against tampering. The sample collection and analysis process ensures reliable results that are difficult to manipulate, thus providing trustworthy information for employers and legal entities.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Middleborough, MA
Our network of testing centers across the nation, including local facilities in Middleborough, ensures accessible and streamlined testing services. This ease of access makes scheduling and undergoing hair follicle tests convenient and hassle-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Middleborough, MA
Our straightforward and discreet testing process ensures privacy every step of the way. From ordering to test completion and receiving results, the procedures are designed to uphold confidentiality and facilitate ease of access for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Middleborough, MA
Our competitive pricing model, paired with swift turnaround times, offers exceptional value. Companies of all sizes in Middleborough can benefit from cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality or speed of results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Middleborough, MA
Hair follicle testing excels in delivering precise and rapid outcomes, making it an invaluable tool for employers and individuals alike in Middleborough. The meticulous analysis process ensures that substance use is detected with high accuracy, providing peace of mind and reliable data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Middleborough, MA
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety, giving employers peace of mind regarding their employees' substance use status.
