Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. The hair can capture biomarkers within its strands over time, reflecting extended drug and alcohol use. When trimmed near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal specimen involves gathering a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, equating to 100mg, perfect for testing and confirming. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to use 150mg of hair. We advocate weighing the hair using a jeweler’s balance. Should scalp hair be lacking, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be substituted. In referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair denotes other varieties, such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The lab evaluation of a drug test result primarily includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial phase of incorporating a sample into a laboratory system. This step involves ensuring that the sample is intact and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any other data entry outside an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. It's cost-efficient for negating drug presence in most samples, though any positive result must be validated to be legally tenable. Those samples marked as potentially positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are drawn out from the hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (such as urine or saliva), which explains the challenges in hair drug screening applicability.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome occurs using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Each potential positive specimen is cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated via both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled "hair follicle tests," these tests actually examine the hair shaft, not the underlying follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Pembroke, MA, the advantages of hair follicle over urine tests are evident. Hair testing offers a superior detection window, identifying substance use up to 90 days unlike urine tests which provide a shorter timeframe. Additionally, hair tests are more resistant to tampering and cheating, ensuring accuracy and reliability in every assessment.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This makes it a valuable tool for employers in Pembroke, MA, seeking an intricate understanding of an individual's substance history. Such comprehensive insights facilitate better-informed decisions regarding employment and safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
The design of hair follicle tests inherently reduces the risk of tampering or adulteration. In Pembroke, MA, this method provides results that are not easily manipulated, offering trustworthy and reliable outcomes. This tamper-resistant quality instills confidence in both employers and individuals, ensuring integrity throughout the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Pembroke, MA, and beyond, our extensive network of testing centers simplifies access to hair follicle drug tests. With convenient locations across the nation, individuals and companies can easily utilize our services. This widespread availability ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience, reinforcing the commitment to accessible and reliable drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Pembroke, MA, the process for hair follicle drug testing is designed to be straightforward and discrete. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is handled with confidentiality in mind. This approach addresses privacy concerns, assuring individuals of a secure and uncomplicated experience that respects their personal boundaries.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Offering competitive pricing alongside rapid result times, hair follicle testing in Pembroke, MA is an accessible option for businesses of all sizes. This combination ensures superior value, allowing companies to maintain high standards without straining budgets or delaying crucial employment decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Pembroke, MA, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests stand unrivaled. They quickly detect various substances while offering exceptional reliability. Results are consistently high in accuracy, ensuring employers and individuals can trust the outcomes with confidence.
Hair testing provides clear and comprehensive insights, empowering timely and informed decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Adopting hair follicle testing in Pembroke, MA, helps employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only mitigates legal liabilities but also promotes a safer work environment. By choosing hair testing, organizations can uphold their standards and maintain peace of mind, knowing they have the best practices in place.
