Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can deliver a detailed history of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra checks, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab’s framework. This step involves confirming that the specimen was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning an LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and filling in any supplemental data not given by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick check for drug presence. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in the majority of cases, any positive screening needs confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample is found presumptively positive at the Screening stage, extra hair is extracted from the original specimen and made ready for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from hair but at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed as necessary prior to confirmation. The complete laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to standards ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test in fact examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In North Pembroke, MA, hair follicle drug testing is gaining favor due to its superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. A significant benefit is its longer detection window, providing a historical perspective on substance use over three months.
Urine tests, on the other hand, cover a shorter period, making hair tests preferable for gaining a broader understanding of drug habits, thus offering more trustworthy insights.
Employers in North Pembroke, MA, prefer hair follicle testing for its extended detection window, allowing drug use to be identified up to 90 days prior. This timeframe enables a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's substance history.
This extensive detection period provides crucial insights, making hair testing a valuable tool for long-term substance monitoring compared to shorter assessments like urine tests.
Hair follicle tests in North Pembroke, MA, offer a tamper-resistant method of drug testing, reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This robustness ensures that the results delivered are both reliable and unquestionable.
The observed sample collection process further reinforces the test's integrity, providing an edge over more easily manipulated testing methods.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including in North Pembroke, MA, our centers offer easy access to hair follicle drug testing services. This widespread network simplifies the testing process for all individuals involved.
Quick, hassle-free access to these services ensures efficient testing experiences, catering to both local and broader needs with minimal inconvenience.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in North Pembroke, MA, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to protect privacy and ensure ease of use.
This user-friendly approach addresses any concerns regarding how samples are collected, maintained, and reported, reaffirming the test's integrity and simplicity.
With competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing in North Pembroke, MA, offers great value. Fast turnaround times ensure that companies receive prompt results, supporting informed decision-making.
This affordability extends across businesses of all sizes, proving to be a cost-effective solution for comprehensive drug screening.
Hair follicle drug tests in North Pembroke, MA, are known for their quick, accurate, and consistent results. This method of testing ensures a high level of precision, detecting various substances effectively.
This capability is essential for employers and other stakeholders who require trustworthy and prompt results, emphasizing the value of hair testing over other methods.
For employers in North Pembroke, MA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace substance policies, minimizing legal risks. Adopting this method enhances workplace safety and fosters a culture of trust.
By incorporating hair testing, employers demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment, which can be a key factor in promoting employee well-being and productivity.
