Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a substantial method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair archives a substantial timeline of alcohol and substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is uncomplicated, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair segment of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It’s advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair might be utilized. References to head hair are specifically about scalp hair. Body hair alludes to other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of key stages in processing a drug test in the lab comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a specimen into a lab’s framework. This phase ensures the specimen was properly sealed and shipped, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any further data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening economically eliminates substance use in most specimens, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any specimens that are presumably positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most complex procedure to achieve.
Validating any positive screening results occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criterion and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
In Paxton, MA, hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing, offering enhanced accuracy and reliability. This method provides a more extensive detection range and an uncheatable process, giving it an edge over traditional urine tests, which can only detect recent usage.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle tests in Paxton, MA, give employers a thorough view of an individual's drug habits. This comprehensive timeline allows for informed decision-making based on past substance use patterns.
Paxton, MA's hair follicle tests resist sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy results. The integrity of this testing method provides reassurance by significantly minimizing the chances of sample adulteration compared to other methods.
With convenient testing centers across Paxton, MA, and the nation, accessing hair follicle drug tests is straightforward. The ease of reaching nearby facilities ensures a smooth and efficient testing experience.
In Paxton, MA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to results, each step is designed to protect privacy, making the experience efficient and discrete for all participants.
Offering competitive pricing, Paxton, MA's hair follicle testing delivers excellent value along with quick results. These affordable services cater to businesses of all sizes, providing peace of mind with their rapid turnaround times.
Hair follicle drug testing in Paxton, MA, guarantees precise and swift outcomes. Boasting high detection accuracy, these tests effectively reveal substance use, providing fast and reliable results that both employers and individuals can trust.
By employing hair follicle testing, employers in Paxton, MA, can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method enhances workplace safety and mitigates potential legal liabilities, offering peace of mind.
