Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective measure for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair analysis provides an extended chronological record by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. Hair samples taken near the scalp offer an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. Collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to mail.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp results in 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG additional tests and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to employ a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an identical volume of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome consists of the following four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab's facility. This process consists of ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, designating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to negate drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive screening outcome must be verified for courtroom eligibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary validation.
Should a sample culminate in a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Extraction. In this phase, drug components are removed from the hair at markedly lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), deeming hair drug analysis as the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive are cleansed preceding confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification alongside the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, hair testing emerges superior, particularly in Rockport, MA. The reliability and detection accuracy offered by hair tests provide immense benefits over urine testing. While urine tests have been the standard, they fall short in detection windows and susceptibility to tampering. Hair testing, with its expanded detection period, assures higher accuracy and reliability than urine testing.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive overview of drug use over a longer period, typically up to 90 days. In Rockport, MA, employers benefit from this extensive timeline as it provides a deeper insight into an individual's substance use history. This prolonged detection capability surpasses shorter-term tests, ensuring employers make informed decisions based on a wider historical substance use profile.
Hair follicle tests are a formidable defense against sample tampering, providing highly reliable results in Rockport, MA. Their unique collection method makes it exponentially harder to alter, ensuring the integrity of each test. With the reduced risk of adulteration, organizations can trust the authenticity of the results, giving them greater confidence in their drug testing processes and outcomes.
Enjoy the convenience of both nationwide and local testing centers in Rockport, MA, for hair follicle drug tests. With an extensive network, accessing testing services is simplified, ensuring a quick and hassle-free process. Whether you're centrally located or in a remote area, our testing locations provide seamless access, making it easier than ever to fulfill testing requirements efficiently and swiftly.
In Rockport, MA, the process of ordering, completing, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be both simple and confidential. The straightforward procedures address privacy concerns, ensuring an unobtrusive and secure experience. Users benefit from a hassle-free process that prioritizes ease of use, making it an ideal choice for those seeking straightforward drug testing solutions.
Rockport, MA offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests, providing value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes. With affordability and rapid results as cornerstones, companies can trust that they're receiving excellent value. Our pricing structures are tailored to suit diverse needs without compromising quality, further enhancing business satisfaction.
In Rockport, MA, hair follicle drug tests deliver results with remarkable speed and accuracy, ensuring that each test is performed with precision. This testing method stands out due to its high reliability in detecting substance use, providing individuals and organizations with peace of mind due to its unfailing accuracy. For those in need of fast and reliable drug testing, hair tests are unmatched in both effectiveness and efficiency.
Employers in Rockport, MA gain assurance and compliance through hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace initiatives. By employing such testing, companies mitigate legal risks and bolster workplace safety. The robust nature of hair testing supports adherence to policies, offering peace of mind that organizations are meeting their operational and legal obligations without compromise.
