Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can offer roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample amount for screening and confirmation. For testing EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale for measuring the sample weight. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for negating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive result in Screening mandate secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation standards ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shutesbury, MA
Hair follicle drug testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine testing methods. The extended detection window up to 90 days allows for more comprehensive historical data on substance use, compared to the shorter timespan of urine tests. Additionally, hair testing is highly resistant to tampering, giving it a clear edge in accuracy and dependability.
Extended Detection Window in Shutesbury, MA
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its capacity to reveal drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days. This extensive detection window provides employers with a broader perspective on the substance history of job candidates or employees, ensuring a thorough understanding of their background in terms of substance usage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shutesbury, MA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, thus delivering results that are both reliable and undeniable. The integrity of the sample is safeguarded from collection to analysis, ensuring a testing procedure that is robust against any attempts to alter or tamper with the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shutesbury, MA
Our nationwide network of testing locations ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing services, including local centers in Shutesbury, MA. The strategic placement of these centers allows for quick, easy, and hassle-free testing experiences, enabling clients to access our services with minimal effort.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shutesbury, MA
The process for conducting hair follicle drug testing in Shutesbury, MA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to specimen collection and result retrieval, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, ensuring that clients feel secure and respected throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shutesbury, MA
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle drug testing services provide excellent value for businesses of any size in Shutesbury, MA. Clients can benefit from top-tier testing capabilities while maintaining budgetary constraints, ensuring peace of mind with rapid and cost-effective outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shutesbury, MA
Hair follicle drug testing leads the way with swiftness and precision in delivering results. The methodology of hair testing stands out for its exceptional accuracy in detecting substance usage, offering near-immediate results that are dependable and trustworthy. Clients in Shutesbury, MA, can trust this testing option for insights that are thoroughly reliable and swiftly delivered.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shutesbury, MA
Employers in Shutesbury, MA, can rely on hair follicle testing to maintain rigorous drug-free workplace policies. This method not only enhances workplace safety but also reduces the legal risks associated with non-compliance, providing businesses with the confidence and assurance of adherence to mandatory standards.
