Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected close to the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug use over an approximately three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a matching quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, this refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in a laboratory involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory's database. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial swift check for significant drugs. Though Screening is a cost-effective strategy to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed for court validity. Samples presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), therefore making hair drug screening the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Beats Urine
In Siasconset, MA, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in detecting drug usage. They offer superior accuracy and reliability, eliminating chances of sample tampering. The detection window for hair testing extends up to 90 days, whereas urine tests are limited to the short term.
Extended Detection Window
In Siasconset, MA, hair follicle testing offers a substantial detection window. It covers up to 90 days, allowing employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s history with substances, making it preferable over short-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing
In Siasconset, MA, hair follicle tests are nearly immune to sample adulteration. This ensures highly reliable and unquestionable results, making it an ideal method for organizations and entities seeking tamper-proof testing.
Convenient Locations
In Siasconset, MA, the convenience of nationwide testing locations ensures easy access to drug testing. With numerous centers, getting tested has never been more straightforward, offering seamless service without hurdles.
Simple and Confidential
In Siasconset, MA, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and private, from ordering to receiving results. This ensures individuals' privacy concerns are addressed while maintaining user-friendly procedures.
Affordable and Quick
In Siasconset, MA, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing with rapid turnaround times. Companies of all sizes get great value and swift service, allowing them to act quickly on results.
Fast Precision
In Siasconset, MA, hair follicle drug tests provide speedy and precise results. They offer the highest level of accuracy, ensuring that any substance use is detected promptly, allowing necessary actions to be taken quickly.
Compliance and Peace
Using hair follicle testing in Siasconset, MA ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It provides peace of mind by reducing possible legal issues and enhancing safety, offering employers assurance in their drug testing processes.
