Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a detailed record of alcohol and drug use over time by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, it’s relatively hard to tamper with, and it is easy to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, an ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal volume of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair; body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result encompass four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample in the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any additional data entry required is completed if not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. It serves as an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most cases, but a screen yielding positive results must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than with other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with tentative positive screenings are cleaned prior to confirmation as deemed necessary. The complete laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", these tests assess the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
If you're comparing drug testing methods in North Eastham, MA, hair follicle testing emerges as superior over the traditional urine tests. Not only does it offer greater accuracy, but the detection reliability and resistance to tampering make it a favored choice among employers. Hair testing surpasses urine tests in identifying long-term drug use, providing a broader detection window and assurance against sample adulteration.
The advantage of extended detection windows offered by hair follicle testing is becoming increasingly valued in North Eastham, MA. With the ability to trace drug use for up to 90 days, it provides employers with a detailed insight into a candidate’s or employee’s substance consumption history. This longer detection period allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of one's drug use patterns over time.
Hair follicle testing in North Eastham, MA, is favored for its tamper-resistant methodology, significantly lowering the risk of sample compromise. This form of testing delivers indisputable results, which are critical for maintaining integrity and trust in drug testing processes. For employers, this tamper-proof method ensures dependable and credible outcomes they can count on.
Convenience of testing in North Eastham, MA, is unparalleled with our extensive network of nationwide centers available for hair follicle drug analysis. Easy access facilitates a stress-free experience for individuals and organizations alike. With both national and local facilities ready to serve, testing couldn't be more seamless and hassle-free.
The process of hair follicle testing in North Eastham, MA, is straightforward and discreet. From the initial order to the receipt of results, privacy and simplicity are prioritized. Individuals can rest assured that their testing experience remains secure and easy to navigate, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times in North Eastham, MA, make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses of any size. Our competitive pricing strategy ensures cost-effectiveness, while quick result reporting provides value and reassurance, making it straightforward for companies to uphold their drug policies.
In North Eastham, MA, hair follicle testing stands out for its fast, precise, and dependable outcomes. It boasts high accuracy levels, making it a preferred choice for those seeking reliable substance detection. Compared to other testing methods, hair follicle tests quickly deliver results while maintaining accuracy and reliability, setting a benchmark in drug testing technology.
Employers in North Eastham, MA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind by opting for hair follicle testing. This testing method helps uphold workplace drug-free policies, diminishing legal risks and boosting workplace security. By implementing hair testing, companies can efficiently enforce their policies and ensure a safer environment for their employees.
