Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pinehurst, MA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective measure in unveiling drug and alcohol usage. It offers a prolonged view of an individual's alcohol and drug history by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair may exhibit as much as a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively impervious to tampering, and convenient for shipment.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler's scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any pending data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical technique to negate drug use in the majority of cases, a positive finding necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Any specimens displaying presumptive positivity in Screening need further confirmation.

Should a sample manifest as presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and poised for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair drug testing as a particularly challenging process.

Confirmation involves using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS for verifying any positive screening result. All presumptive positive samples receive a wash, if necessary, prior to confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a more limited detection period.
• Challenging to compromise: Cheating a hair drug test is significantly difficult, resulting in more precise findings.
• Shows historical use: It illustrates drug use patterns across a duration, not just immediate usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It takes close to 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While commonly referenced as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the root beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pinehurst, MA
Comparing hair to urine testing reveals an edge hair tests have in accuracy and dependability. Hair follicle tests offer a superior detection timeline, showcasing high reliability and making them a preferred choice for employers seeking stringent and detailed screening.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Pinehurst, MA
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage with their long detection window, tracking substance use up to 90 days. This gives employers a thorough insight into applicants' or employees' substance history, ensuring well-informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pinehurst, MA
Reducing the odds of test tampering, hair follicle tests present a durable solution to prevent sample adulteration. This method assures users of seamless and trustworthy results that are beyond question, making it an impeccable choice for critical assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pinehurst, MA
Our network of nationwide testing centers simplifies the testing process, providing easy access to services. Clients across Pinehurst and beyond find our testing solutions convenient, ensuring swift and hassle-free service delivery.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Pinehurst, MA
Streamlined and discreet, our hair follicle testing process guarantees user privacy and ease. From ordering to testing and result reception, every stage is designed to respect confidentiality and provide a stress-free experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pinehurst, MA
Competitive pricing structures paired with swift turnaround times make our services highly beneficial. Companies of varied sizes find value in our offerings, receiving prompt and dependable results without compromising their budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pinehurst, MA
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its rapid and precise results, giving users confidence in its accuracy. By meticulously identifying signs of substance use, this method offers unparalleled reliability, ensuring every detail is captured with precision.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pinehurst, MA
Hair follicle testing aids businesses in maintaining adherence to drug-free workplace mandates, minimizing potential legal exposures. Emphasizing workplace safety, it provides companies the assurance needed to uphold optimal operational standards.

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