Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers, hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When taken from near the scalp, it provides a detection range of roughly three months for alcohol and substances. Hair is easy to collect, fairly challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches consisting of 200 hair strands (the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair such as facial or axillary.
Process Overview
The principal steps in processing a laboratory drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though it is a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use for the bulk of samples, a positive outcome needs validation for court eligibility. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
For a presumptively positive sample in Screening, a portion of the initial sample is taken for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than those in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why conducting hair drug screening is particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive findings during screening is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
When considering drug testing methods in Sterling, MA, hair follicle tests stand out due to their superior detection accuracy compared to urine testing. While urine tests are common, hair tests provide improved reliability by tracing drug use over longer periods.
This gives employers a broader understanding of an individual's drug history, as opposed to the shorter detection window of urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Sterling, MA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, providing a more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use history. This long-term view aids employers in assessing candidates' or employees' drug habits more accurately.
Traditional urine tests can't match this duration, making hair tests crucial for detailed substance history evaluations.
In Sterling, MA, the hair follicle test is praised for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly diminishing the chance of sample adulteration. This provides employers with confidence in the integrity and accuracy of results.
The observed sample collection process ensures the testing method remains secure, further enhancing the trust in results' reliability.
With numerous testing centers located nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that residents of Sterling, MA, have convenient access to our services. These widespread locations offer easy and hassle-free testing, tailored to meet client needs efficiently.
This accessibility across the country guarantees that drug testing demands are met promptly without inconvenience.
The hair follicle testing process in Sterling, MA, offers a simple and confidential solution for users. From easy ordering and discreet testing procedures to secure results retrieval, every step respects privacy.
This process ensures users feel at ease, knowing their information remains confidential while obtaining necessary data swiftly and effortlessly.
In Sterling, MA, Accredited Drug Testing is committed to providing affordable pricing on drug testing services, coupled with fast turnaround times. Companies, regardless of size, benefit from competitive rates and receive timely, accurate results.
This commitment to cost-effectiveness and efficiency delivers exceptional value and assurance to businesses seeking drug testing options.
In Sterling, MA, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering fast, precise, and reliable results. Accurate detection of substance use is ensured through advanced testing methodologies, making these tests a preferred choice for many institutions.
The quick analysis process means that results can be obtained rapidly, assisting employers or individuals who need timely information on drug use findings.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Sterling, MA, aids employers in maintaining strict drug-free workplace policies. This compliance with substance regulations offers peace of mind by reducing legal risks and bolstering safety in work environments.
Employers find solace knowing that their testing method meets legal standards and mitigates potential substance abuse-related incidents.
