Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for uncovering substance and alcohol consumption. Hair records an extended history of alcohol and drug usage by encasing biomarkers within its growing strands. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a three-month timeframe for substance identification. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for sending.
A 1.5-inch batch of around 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the prime specimen for testing and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable portion of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result comprises four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's framework. This step includes confirming the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any other data input absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening refers to an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court acceptability. Samples indicative of positivity in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
In instances of a suspect positive outcome during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at remarkably lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains the complexity of hair drug screening.
Validation of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspect positive samples undergo washing prior to validation as warranted. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Validation is scrutinized under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Plymouth, MA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine analysis in several aspects. The reliability and accuracy of hair testing are notably higher, as it isn't influenced by recent water intake or dietary factors. This provides a more stable basis for evaluating substance use history.
Hair tests present an extended detection period, outpacing traditional urine analysis. Unlike urine tests, which might only reflect recent use, hair testing gives a thorough picture of an individual's substance habits over 90 days, enhancing the reliability of results.
Hair follicle analysis in Plymouth, MA, offers a prolonged detection window, making it invaluable for comprehensive assessments. While urine tests reflect recent consumption, hair tests reveal usage patterns over up to 90 days.
This extended timeframe aids employers in evaluating long-term substance habits, offering deeper insights into an applicant or employee's lifestyle choices, crucial for maintaining a secure and productive work environment.
In Plymouth, MA, hair follicle testing effectively mitigates the risk of tampering. The nature of the sample—interwoven into the hair's structure—makes it resistant to external adulteration, providing unquestionable results.
This resistance to tampering ensures that the conclusions drawn from hair analysis are trustworthy. For employers, having such reliable results means confidence in the integrity of the testing process, crucial for informed decision-making.
Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers offer unparalleled convenience, including locations in Plymouth, MA. This extensive network ensures that individuals and employers can access testing services swiftly and efficiently.
For residents and companies in Plymouth, the availability of testing centers locally means accessing drug testing services is hassle-free, supporting their needs without unnecessary delays or travel.
The process for hair follicle analysis in Plymouth, MA, is straightforward and confidential. Ordering and undergoing tests is simplified, ensuring ease and privacy for all participants.
With streamlined procedures and confidential handling, worry about the complexity of drug testing is greatly reduced. This simple approach means less stress and more assurance of privacy during the entire testing process.
In Plymouth, MA, hair follicle testing is affordably priced, making it accessible for businesses of any size. Competitive pricing ensures high-quality testing without breaking budgets.
Additionally, the turnaround for results is swift, which means companies can make informed decisions quickly. This combination of cost-effectiveness and rapid service offers exceptional value and peace of mind.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle analysis in Plymouth, MA, set it apart. Hair drug tests excel in accuracy, ensuring dependable results. Their ability to detect various substances with high precision guarantees superior accuracy, cementing their role as a top choice for timely and precise testing.
Hair follicle testing provides quick yet thorough results, minimizing waiting periods. This efficiency allows for prompt decision-making, vital for employers and individuals requiring definitive insights into substance use within a short timeframe.
Employers in Plymouth, MA, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This adherence is instrumental in maintaining a safe and productive environment.
Utilizing hair tests reduces legal risks associated with substance misuse. The method's accuracy and resistance to tampering provide employers with peace of mind, knowing they're fulfilling their duties in fostering a drug-free workspace.
