Hair Follicle Drug Testing - The Pinehills, MA

What it is, How it works

Regarding substance and alcohol analysis, hair testing is recognized as an influential method. Hair strands can capture biomarkers within their growing fibers, offering an extended overview of alcohol and drug consumption. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal a history of up to 90 days. The process of gathering hair is straightforward, making it resistant to tampering and convenient for transport.

For a proper test, a 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp is required, delivering 100mg—ideal for initial checks and confirmations. For EtG, additional screenings, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring. If scalp hair is unavailable, equivalent body hair may be utilized. Referring specifically to head hair pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial hair, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug testing process in the lab involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab system, ensuring the sample's seals and shipping procedures are intact. This step includes assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) and completing necessary data entries absent from electronic custody chains.

The Screening phase conducts an expedited assessment to identify drug presence. While cost-efficient and sufficient for most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening require subsequent verification.

Should a sample test positively in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for further analysis. During Extraction, drugs are isolated at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), marking hair testing as a challenging procedure.

Confirmation of any presumptive positive is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeline: Hair drug assessments can recognize usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that offer shorter timelines.
• Challenge to falsify: Hair drug tests are considerably difficult to deceive, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical perspective: Offers an overview of usage patterns over extended durations, not merely recent activities.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Detectability in hair occurs approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually incur higher costs than alternative drug assessment methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual growth rates can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: The procedure often labeled as "hair follicle tests" actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in The Pinehills, MA

Hair testing offers superior detection over traditional urine tests, providing a far-reaching timeline that includes up to three months of usage history. This extends beyond the temporal limits of urine testing, offering a broader view of substance use. The result is a more reliable and comprehensive screening, which is why many organizations now favor hair follicle tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in The Pinehills, MA

With an ability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior, hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage. This extensive detection window delivers employers comprehensive insights into a person's substance habits, making it an essential tool for informed employment decisions, particularly in settings where historical drug use is a concern.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in The Pinehills, MA

Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering and sample adulteration. This resistance ensures the reliability and integrity of the test results, in contrast to other methods that may be easily compromised. The rigorous collection process supports these outcomes, assuring users of credible drug testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in The Pinehills, MA

Accredited Drug Testing provides the convenience of widespread testing centers, making the process seamless for users. Whether local to The Pinehills or elsewhere, quick and accessible services enable anyone to undergo testing with ease, ensuring effortless participation in necessary screenings.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in The Pinehills, MA

Ordering and completing a hair follicle test is straightforward and ensures privacy. From the moment you request a test to receiving your results, confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. This simplicity builds trust and guarantees a stress-free experience for those undergoing testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in The Pinehills, MA

Offering competitive pricing models paired with rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing presents undeniable value. This budget-friendly approach ensures companies, regardless of size, can access superior testing without financial strain, keeping processes both economical and efficient.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in The Pinehills, MA

Hair follicle tests stand out for their remarkable speed and precision. When it comes to screening for substance use, these tests offer unmatched accuracy, giving both employers and individuals confidence in the results. Speedy procedures ensure that results are obtained swiftly, maintaining the efficiency of the decision-making process in workplaces.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in The Pinehills, MA

Employers benefit from peace of mind with hair follicle testing's ability to comply with drug-free workplace policies. This compliance helps in reducing legal risks, while simultaneously increasing workplace safety and ensuring all personnel adhere to necessary standards, reinforcing the organizational culture.

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