Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair—ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale for specimen weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples yielding a presumptively positive result in Screening need secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. This stage involves removing drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the subscalp hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Seekonk, MA is highlighted by its ability to detect drug use with greater accuracy over an extended period. While traditional urine tests are still used, hair follicle tests provide a more reliable detection rate, offering employers a competitive edge in maintaining drug-free workplaces.
Extended Detection Window available through hair follicle testing in North Seekonk, MA offers significant advantages. This method allows for detection of drug use for up to 90 days, presenting employers with a thorough insight into an individual's substance-use history and aiding informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Seekonk, MA offers increased reliability through hair follicle drug testing. This testing approach minimizes the risk of sample tampering, thereby delivering results that are robust and unquestionable. Its integrity makes it a trusted choice for many organizations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations, including in North Seekonk, MA, provide unparalleled ease of access to drug testing services. Our extensive network of testing sites ensures that these essential services are accessible quickly and without hassle, no matter where you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in North Seekonk, MA is pivotal for ensuring that individuals can access drug testing services with ease and comfort. From the moment of ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to protect privacy, guaranteeing a seamless and secure process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Seekonk, MA are key components of our service offering. We pride ourselves on competitive pricing structures paired with quick result delivery, providing excellent value and efficiency for businesses of any scale.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Seekonk, MA are critical for maintaining drug-free environments. Hair follicle testing excels in this regard, providing precise and fast detection of substance use. The high level of accuracy ensures that the results are dependable, making it a preferred choice among employers and legal entities.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Seekonk, MA is ensured with hair follicle testing. This technique helps enforce workplace drug-free policies, thus mitigating legal repercussions and enhancing safety, which is pivotal for fostering a respectful and secure work environment.
