Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a valuable means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating markers within the expanding hair fibers. When sampled near the scalp, hair provides up to about a three-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair segment, comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size), close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and exams exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the hair using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair can be gathered. When referencing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal proceedings. Any samples returning presumptive positives during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most demanding methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In West Acton, MA, hair follicle tests offer multiple advantages over traditional urine tests. Their detection accuracy and reliability surpass that of urine tests.
Employers in West Acton, MA benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, which can track drug use for up to 90 days. This extensive period offers a complete view of a person's substance history.
In West Acton, MA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant testing method. Their design significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable outcomes.
Our West Acton, MA locations are part of a nationwide network of testing centers, delivering convenience and accessibility.
In West Acton, MA, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are straightforward, upholding privacy at each step.
In West Acton, MA, our hair follicle tests offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This competitive pricing provides excellent value.
In West Acton, MA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast and accurate results, ensuring precision in detecting substance use. Their ability to deliver reliable outcomes with high accuracy is unmatched.
In West Acton, MA, hair follicle testing assures employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in reducing legal risks and boosts workplace safety.
