Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have gained recognition as an effective mechanism for identifying substance use. Hair captures a prolonged history of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the growing strand's fibers. When taken near the scalp, it can offer up to roughly a 90-day detection window. It is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and easy to mail.
A 1.5-inch segment, containing approximately 200 hairs (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg, the optimal sample for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair isn't present, corresponding body hair may be acquired. "Head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other varieties (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The main stages in lab processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data entry omitted by an automated chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for substance abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result requires verification for court admissibility. Any samples identified as potentially positive in Screening mandate a further confirmation step.
If a sample registers as potentially positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are derived from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making it the most challenging drug screening method.
Any positive screening outcome undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in West Dennis, MA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window and tamper-resistant nature of hair tests make them a preferred choice in West Dennis, MA.
Extended Detection Window in West Dennis, MA
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period for drug use, lasting up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, crucial for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Dennis, MA
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This provides reliable and unquestionable results, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Service in West Dennis, MA
The extensive network of testing centers ensures availability and convenience. Individuals in West Dennis can easily access testing services with minimal hassle.
Simple and Confidential Process in West Dennis, MA
The straightforward and confidential process for taking hair follicle tests ensures privacy and ease. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure is designed to be user-friendly and discreet.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Dennis, MA
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing cost-effective for businesses of any size in West Dennis, providing excellent value.
Fast and Accurate Detection in West Dennis, MA
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise analysis, ensuring high accuracy in determining substance use. In West Dennis, these tests are implemented swiftly, providing quick turnaround times while maintaining reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Dennis, MA
The adoption of hair follicle tests helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and enhances safety, providing peace of mind for employers in West Dennis.