Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can provide an extensive timeline of drugs and alcohol by capturing biomarkers in the filaments of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair gives roughly a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches in length with approximately 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. Head hair solely refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four crucial stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This consists of confirming that the sample has been correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for drug abuse. Although Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples that appear presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
The perks of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
A note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Stoneham, MA, the benefits of hair follicle testing far exceed those of traditional urine tests. Detection Accuracy: Hair tests can identify drug use over a far longer period than urine tests, ensuring comprehensive detection. Reliability: hair testing minimizes errors related to sample adulteration, providing consistent and reliable results, an advantage urine tests often lack.
Hair follicle testing in Stoneham, MA extends the detection window for drug use, looking back as far as 90 days. This is particularly beneficial to employers as it offers a complete history of substance use, rather than just recent activity. Comprehensive History: It provides employers with a detailed profile of an individual’s drug use, aiding in making informed decisions.
In Stoneham, MA, hair follicle tests are known for their strong resistance to tampering, assuring highly reliable results. Robust Integrity: The difficulty in adulterating hair samples guarantees authenticity in the results, thus bolstering confidence in the testing method. This eliminates common manipulation issues present with other testing means.
Accredited Drug Testing offers widespread accessibility with numerous testing centers, including Stoneham, MA. Convenience: Nationwide and local facilities ensure that individuals and employers have quick and easy access to drug testing services. No matter your location, our services are just a short trip away.
In Stoneham, MA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, easing privacy concerns. Ease of Use: Ordering, participating in, and receiving results from hair tests are designed to be simple yet secure, ensuring confidentiality and reliability at every step of the process.
Offering competitive pricing structures and swift result turnaround in Stoneham, MA, our hair follicle testing services are highly valued. Cost-effective: We provide excellent value catering to companies of all sizes. Fast Turnaround: Our efficient processes guarantee rapid results without sacrificing accuracy.
Hair follicle drug tests in Stoneham, MA offer fast and reliable outcomes by pinpointing substance use with remarkable precision. Accuracy: The method ensures a high accuracy rate, leaving little room for doubt in the results. Speed: Results are processed swiftly, delivering valuable insights in a short time frame without compromising on thoroughness.
Employers in Stoneham, MA benefit greatly from using hair follicle testing, achieving compliance seamlessly with workplace drug-free mandates. Legal Safety: This testing method reduces legal risks associated with non-compliance. Enhanced Safety: By ensuring the workplace is drug-free, employers promote a safer and more efficient working environment.
