Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling is now recognized as an effective method for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a lengthy timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing strands. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use within roughly a three-month period. Collection is easy, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, composed of approximately 200 hair strands (about the dimensions of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal volume of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we indicate only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test follows four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase, integrating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This phase ensures the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entries not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug consumption in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples indicating presumed positives in Screening mandate further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is collected from the original specimen for Extraction. This phase retrieves drugs from hair at a much-reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing a challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screen is executed using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review, aligning with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand instead of the follicle attached under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wayland, MA
In Wayland, MA, hair follicle tests provide a clear edge over traditional urine tests by offering superior accuracy. Hair testing surpasses urine tests by uncovering a wider timeframe of substance use. This extended detection offers a truer reflection of a person's habits, providing an invaluable tool for various institutions needing dependable drug testing.
Extended Detection Window in Wayland, MA
Wayland, MA employers benefit from hair follicle testing's expansive detection window, up to 90 days. This capability allows for a thorough review of an individual’s past drug use, offering insight into long-term behaviors. Such thoroughness arms employers with critical information regarding potential hires or current employees, supporting informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wayland, MA
In Wayland, MA, hair follicle tests substantially mitigate the threat of sample tampering. This testing method stands out by delivering results that are resistant to manipulation, preserving the integrity of the data collected. The robustness of hair testing reassures all stakeholders of the authenticity of the results achieved through this method.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wayland, MA
With a network of vibrant testing centers across the nation and localized support in Wayland, MA, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and stress-free. Our widespread availability ensures quick responses to testing needs, catering to both local and national clients' requirements with ease and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wayland, MA
In Wayland, MA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. From setup to results delivery, every step ensures client confidentiality and ease, providing peace of mind. This seamless process accommodates those in need of testing without compromising privacy, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wayland, MA
In Wayland, MA, our hair follicle testing services are not only competitively priced but also deliver fast results. Providing an economical solution, we cater to companies of all sizes seeking cost-effective drug testing. The combination of affordability and prompt service offers significant value, essential for time-sensitive decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wayland, MA
Hair follicle drug tests in Wayland, MA, offer rapid and precise results, crucial for both individuals and employers. The reliability of detecting recent and past substance use with such high accuracy instills confidence. These tests are efficient in pinpointing a wider spectrum of drug use, ensuring decisions are made based on clear, definitive data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wayland, MA
Using hair follicle testing in Wayland, MA facilitates compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach diminishes legal complications and fosters a safer working environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are taking definitive steps to safeguard their organizations against the risks associated with substance abuse.
