Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is viewed as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When extracted near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drug presence. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, encompassing about 200 hair strands (approximate thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional checks, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages involved in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This process entails verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening signifies an initial prompt assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be acceptable in legal settings. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening do necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations in comparison to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is particularly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The overarching lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly named "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Taunton, MA
When comparing hair follicle and urine testing, hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests may be easy to administer, they don't match the extended detection period offered by hair tests, which can uncover drug use spanning up to 90 days. This makes hair testing an invaluable tool for employers and organizations in Taunton, MA, aiming for thorough evaluations.
Extended Detection Window in Taunton, MA
With hair follicle testing, employers in Taunton, MA, gain a significant advantage with the ability to detect drug use within a 90-day window. This extended detection period provides a more comprehensive analysis of an individual's history, helping employers make informed decisions by offering insights far beyond the limited scope of standard urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Taunton, MA
Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the risk of sample adulteration, thus delivering trustworthy outcomes. This inherent characteristic of being tamper-resistant ensures that the results obtained are both reliable and conclusive, eliminating doubts and safeguarding against potential manipulation of test samples in Taunton, MA.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Taunton, MA
With multiple testing centers nationwide, including accessible local options in Taunton, MA, individuals can conveniently undergo hair follicle testing. This widespread availability ensures a hassle-free process, allowing quick and easy access to our services without compromising on quality or convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Taunton, MA
Our procedure for hair follicle testing in Taunton, MA, is both simple and confidential. Ensuring ease of use and maintaining client privacy is paramount. From ordering the test to receiving accurate results, every step is designed to safeguard personal information, providing reassurance through a straightforward and discreet process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Taunton, MA
Our competitive pricing coupled with rapid turnaround times makes hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution for companies in Taunton, MA. Providing excellent value, this approach not only ensures fast results but also supports budget-friendly testing initiatives for businesses of any size, enhancing overall peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Taunton, MA
Hair follicle drug tests in Taunton, MA, offer unmatched precision and speed in detecting substance use. The accuracy of these tests makes them a preferred choice for those seeking reliable results swiftly. With its capability to identify a wide range of substances efficiently, hair testing stands as the gold standard for fast and dependable drug detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Taunton, MA
Implementing hair follicle testing in workplace settings provides employers in Taunton, MA, with peace of mind and compliance with drug-free policies. These stringent testing measures not only reduce legal liabilities but also foster a safer workplace environment by effectively identifying substance use issues, ensuring all employees adhere to company standards.
