Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands, hair provides a historical record of substance use. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use for a period of up to roughly 3 months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we're specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This consists of confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most cases, court-admissible results require confirmation of a positive screen. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration in this phase compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening more complex to perform.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive screening outcomes. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
In Provincetown, MA, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests due to their superior accuracy and reliability. Compared to urine testing, which often detects drug use within short timeframes, hair follicle tests provide a comprehensive long-term detection window. This ensures more accurate screening and highlights any persistent patterns of substance use.
One key benefit of hair follicle testing in Provincetown, MA is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests can identify drug use over a span of up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough overview of an individual’s substance use history. This broader detection period is invaluable for assessing long-term substance behaviors.
Hair follicle testing in Provincetown, MA is markedly resistant to tampering, making it a reliable choice for accurate results. The testing process significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that outcomes are both reliable and unquestionable. This levels the playing field by providing an unbiased verification of substance use.
Offering convenience, our testing centers are located nationwide, including local sites in Provincetown, MA. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that accessing testing services is both quick and hassle-free, whether you're seeking services locally or across state lines, with numerous locations available for easy access.
The drug testing process in Provincetown, MA is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use for individuals and employers alike. The seamless approach alleviates concerns over confidentiality and streamlines the testing experience.
In Provincetown, MA, our hair follicle drug tests are competitively priced and feature fast turnaround times. Accredited Drug Testing's cost-effective pricing provides exceptional value and confidence for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that you receive affordable services without compromising on speed or reliability.
Hair follicle drug tests in Provincetown, MA offer prompt, precise, and dependable outcomes. With these tests, detection of recent substance use is highly accurate. The procedure is efficient and yields fast results, ensuring that individuals and employers receive timely information about any potential drug use.
Employers in Provincetown, MA gain peace of mind and compliance benefits by opting for hair follicle tests. This drug testing method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks while promoting a safer, more compliant work environment that supports robust employee safety standards.
