Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is obtained from close proximity to the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A section of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and validation. In cases requiring EtG, additional testing, and/or tests beyond the standard 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means of excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be acceptable in court. Any samples that are provisionally positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in the Screening stage, further hair is obtained from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
To confirm any positive results from screening, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly vetted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine testing in West Bridgewater, MA, the former stands out for its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests offer an extended lookback period for drug use, surpassing the limited window urine tests provide.
Key Benefits:
Hair follicle testing in West Bridgewater, MA, boasts an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, assisting in effective hiring and monitoring processes.
Such a prolonged detection period is invaluable for organizations aiming to maintain a substance-free workplace, ensuring accountability and safety.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in West Bridgewater, MA, significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This method ensures dependable and verifiable results.
Employers can trust these tests to provide unbiased outcomes, supporting fair hiring and monitoring practices while mitigating legal risks associated with drug testing errors.
West Bridgewater, MA, benefits from a network of nationwide testing centers, ensuring quick and accessible hair follicle testing services. Local locations provide convenience and efficiency, streamlining the testing process.
These centers foster a hassle-free experience, accommodating the needs of various businesses while ensuring rapid turnaround and reliable outcomes.
In West Bridgewater, MA, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy concerns effectively. The ease of ordering, taking, and receiving results simplifies compliance.
Employers and individuals alike can confidently navigate this process, ensuring user-friendly access to critical testing outcomes, bolstering workplace integrity.
West Bridgewater, MA, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, coupled with fast turnaround times. This combination ensures excellent value, making it feasible for businesses of all sizes.
Affordability paired with efficiency allows companies to uphold their drug-free policies without significant financial burdens, promoting workplace safety and compliance.
In West Bridgewater, MA, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their speed and accuracy. These tests provide precise detection of substance use, offering a reliable method to ensure compliance with substance-free policies.
Employers benefit from the rapid results hair follicle testing delivers, reducing waiting times and improving decision-making processes. The high accuracy of these tests aids in maintaining a trustworthy workplace environment.
In West Bridgewater, MA, utilizing hair follicle testing aids in compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It reduces legal risks and enhances safety by providing a reliable metric for substance testing.
Employers can achieve peace of mind knowing that hair follicle tests contribute to a secure and compliant work environment, ultimately fostering a culture of trust and responsibility.
