Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can offer approximately a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial handling of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring that the sample has been sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be corroborated to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as required. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the advantages become evident. In New Salem, MA, hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and are more reliable, especially for longer-term substance use. Urine tests, while useful, often miss habitual patterns that hair tests can uncover effortlessly. The expansive detection window and resistance to tampering make hair testing preferable.
In many professional and legal scenarios, hair testing is becoming the standard, valued for its ability to provide clearer insights.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in New Salem, MA, is a significant advantage for employers. By capturing up to 90 days of substance use history, employers gain a broad and revealing perspective on an individual’s past drug use. Such insights are invaluable when assessing potential risks and ensuring a high standard within the workforce.
Employers can trust the longevity and reliability of the data provided, aiding crucial decision-making processes.
In New Salem, MA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing. Their design reduces the chance of sample adulteration significantly, ensuring reliability and credibility. Unlike other methods, they withstand attempts at manipulation, presenting companies with undeniable results.
Such robustness in testing is essential for maintaining trust and integrity within various institutions and workplace environments.
Accredited Drug Testing's expansive network of testing centers, including those in New Salem, MA, offers unmatched convenience. This nationwide availability guarantees that individuals and businesses can easily access testing services without hassle.
Local and widespread facilities ensure quick, straightforward solutions for all drug testing needs.
The process of hair follicle testing in New Salem, MA, is straightforward and discreet, designed with privacy in mind. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes ease and confidentiality.
This comfort and security encourage participation, ensuring that personal data remains protected throughout the testing journey.
New Salem, MA, benefits from the competitively priced services of hair follicle testing, ensuring affordability for companies of any size. Alongside reasonable rates, quick turnaround times guarantee swift results.
This combination of cost-efficiency and rapid service provides businesses with excellent value for their investment in employee and workforce health.
In New Salem, MA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapid results. The high accuracy rates in identifying substance use make them stand out. Rapid processing ensures timely and trustworthy outcomes, offering reassurances to employers and other stakeholders.
Efficiency and exactness are at the forefront, providing definitive results that aid in making informed decisions about hiring and employee evaluations.
Employers in New Salem, MA, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing as it upholds compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal risk and promotes enhanced safety standards.
With its proven reliability, businesses can ensure that they're meeting regulatory requirements efficiently, supporting a secure and productive work setting.
