Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures biomarkers of substances within its fibers as it grows, offering a prolonged record of drug and alcohol usage. Gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward and somewhat challenging to tamper with, while being simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) taken close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. When testing for EtG, supplementary panels, or above 10 panels, it's advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale to verify the sample weight is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for drug testing results involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves introducing the sample into the lab’s system. This task includes checking that the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any extra data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial assessment for drug presence. While Screening is economical for excluding drug usage in most specimens, a positive Screening needs affirmation to be valid legally. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, the procedure involves isolating drugs from hair but at notably lesser concentrations than seen in other methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), showcasing why hair drug analysis is the most complex type to execute.
For Confirmation of any positive results from screening, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with certification under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug screening:
Drawbacks:
Keep in mind: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests study the hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp
Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine testing in Norton, MA? The answer lies in its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests with a superior detection period and less susceptibility to tampering. These benefits make it an ideal choice for employers looking to enforce strict drug-free workplace policies.
Hair follicle testing in Norton, MA, offers an extended detection window, tracing substance use up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a thorough insight into an employee's or applicant's substance history. Such prolonged detection ensures comprehensive understanding beyond immediate consumption, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing in Norton, MA, significantly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration. Its robust methodology offers reliable and indisputable results, safeguarding against tampering. This ensures the integrity of the test results, providing confidence to employers who require secure and trustworthy drug testing methods.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including in Norton, MA, our services offer quick and hassle-free access. This network ensures that individuals and employers can effortlessly locate a testing site, saving time and simplifying the process of obtaining necessary drug testing services across various locations.
In Norton, MA, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, every step respects privacy and ease of access. This approach addresses privacy concerns, assuring individuals that their sensitive information is securely handled throughout the testing process.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing in Norton, MA, provide significant value to businesses of all sizes. This affordability, coupled with rapid results, ensures companies can confidently implement drug testing policies without financial strain, benefiting from both cost efficiency and reliable outcomes.
In Norton, MA, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests deliver high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing reliable results fast. The swift process ensures both employers and individuals have timely information, enhancing decision-making capabilities regarding workplace safety and substance use policies.
In Norton, MA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind. Adhering to these policies not only reduces legal risks but also enhances workplace safety. Hair testing is a proactive measure for organizations committed to maintaining a safe and compliant working environment.