Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the core of the developing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present nearly a 3-month detection span for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable portion of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory methodology for processing a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This process involves checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any supplementary data recording absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for abused drugs. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, results showing a positive screen require confirmation to be admissible in a legal context. Any samples showing a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drug substances are removed from hair at concentrations much lower than other testing methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to conduct.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples yielding presumptive positives are cleansed ahead of confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the actual test evaluates the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in North Attleborough, MA, triumphs over traditional urine tests with its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests can detect drug use much longer than urine tests, offering employers an effective way to monitor substance abuse. Their accuracy and reliability make them a preferred choice over urine tests, which have a limited detection timeframe.
In North Attleborough, MA, hair follicle testing offers an extended window of detection for drug use, often up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, providing a detailed overview that surpasses other testing methods in regard to past behavior and potential risk factors.
Hair follicle tests in North Attleborough, MA, represent a tamper-resistant method of drug testing that significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. The integrity of the samples and the testing process makes these tests reliable, ensuring that the results are unquestionable and dependable for those who need them most.
We provide convenient and accessible testing centers, both nationwide and locally in North Attleborough, MA. Our nationwide reach ensures that testing services are readily available, making the process of obtaining drug testing simple and stress-free for everyone, anywhere.
The process of hair follicle testing in North Attleborough, MA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering tests to obtaining results, the system maintains privacy and ease of use. This streamlined approach addresses any concerns regarding confidentiality and user experience.
In North Attleborough, MA, affordable pricing and quick turnaround times are key advantages of our hair follicle drug testing services. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive pricing structures paired with the assurance of a fast and reliable testing process, ensuring high value for all clients.
In North Attleborough, MA, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests provide high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring fast and reliable results for both individuals and organizations. Their ability to precisely identify substances makes them a preferred choice for comprehensive drug assessment.
Employers in North Attleborough, MA, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Reducing legal risks and boosting workplace safety are achieved by adopting these comprehensive tests, offering employers confidence in maintaining a secure and compliant environment.
