Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a chronological record of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a 90-day detection timeframe for alcohol and drug traces. The collection of hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, extra panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is beneficial to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four pivotal steps are essential in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial entry of a sample into a lab system. This involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplemental data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs. While it's a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening do require additional confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
The confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples are washed as needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Scituate, MA Hair follicle tests outperform standard urine tests by providing a broader detection range and more reliable results. This approach gives employers in North Scituate superior insights into substance use, proving its efficacy over traditional urine testing methods.
Extended Detection Window in North Scituate, MA Hair follicle testing in North Scituate offers a substantial detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers to assess an individual's substance history comprehensively, enhancing decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Scituate, MA The integrity of hair follicle tests in North Scituate is significant, greatly minimizing the chances of sample tampering. This method delivers reliable and definitive results, reassuring organizations of the test's robustness.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Scituate, MA Our expansive network of testing centers ensures that North Scituate businesses can access our services easily and promptly. With local and nationwide coverage, testing has never been more accessible and straightforward.
Simple, Confidential Process in North Scituate, MA Our testing procedures in North Scituate prioritize simplicity and confidentiality, readily addressing privacy concerns. Customers can easily order, undertake, and receive test results, making the experience stress-free and discreet.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Scituate, MA Our competitive pricing in North Scituate ensures that companies receive excellent value for high-quality services. Coupled with a quick turnaround time, we aim to deliver satisfaction and reassurance to businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Scituate, MA The precision of hair follicle drug tests in North Scituate is unmatched, offering rapid and accurate detection of substance use. These tests provide an efficient method for identifying drug usage, ensuring reliability through detailed screenings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Scituate, MA Utilizing hair follicle testing in North Scituate ensures that companies stay compliant with drug-free workplace regulations. This testing fortifies legal protection and enhances the safety and functionality of the work environment.
