Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol usage has grown. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of its growth, offering a longer-term record of alcohol and other drug consumption. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month period of substance use detection. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp can yield 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 test panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's preferable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the first processing of a sample into a lab's system. This involves verifying the correct sealing and shipment of the sample, tagging a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data requirements absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use for most samples, legal admissibility requires confirmation of a positive screen. Any samples marked presumptively positive in Screening mandate an additional confirmation.
Upon a sample's presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen readying for Extraction. This phase involves removing drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), presenting hair drug screening as the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive Screening outcome occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure undergoes assessment under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection and accuracy in Somerset, MA. Hair testing provides a more comprehensive overview of substance use, detecting traces that urine tests may miss. This advanced method ensures a higher level of reliability, making it a preferred choice for many.
Hair follicle testing in Somerset, MA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This long timeline allows employers to view a broader picture of an individual’s substance history, beyond the limited reach of urine tests. It's an invaluable tool for thorough screening.
With a tamper-resistant methodology, hair follicle tests in Somerset, MA, drastically reduce the risk of sample adulteration. The procedure's reliability ensures results are unquestionable, providing confidence in the integrity of the testing process, unlike more easily manipulated tests.
Our convenient nationwide testing locations, including in Somerset, MA, ensure easy access to testing services. With widespread centers, the process is quick and hassle-free, providing efficient solutions for individuals and organizations needing immediate testing capabilities.
The process in Somerset, MA, is simple and confidential, prioritizing ease of use and privacy. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are streamlined for user convenience, addressing concerns of confidentiality to ensure a comfortable testing experience for all.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Somerset, MA, our services deliver excellent value to businesses of all sizes. Competitive rates and prompt results meet the needs of companies, ensuring high-quality testing without compromising budget considerations.
In Somerset, MA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests excel in precision, ensuring substances are detected with remarkable accuracy. The efficiency of hair follicle testing is unmatched, offering rapid results that maintain the highest standards of reliability for detecting substance use.
For employers in Somerset, MA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind. Supporting workplace drug-free policies, these tests mitigate legal risks and enhance safety, reassuring employers that they are meeting regulations effectively while maintaining a secure work environment.
