Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by incorporating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. Gathering hair near the scalp allows for up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extended panel tests beyond 10, and add-ons, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a similar volume of body hair can be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially processed in a laboratory's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for commonly abused drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be legally valid. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need a further confirmation test.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which reasons why hair drug testing is among the most complex methods to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results uses techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. This entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes reviews per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In West Springfield Town, MA, the effectiveness of hair follicle testing surpasses that of traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, capable of identifying substance use over a protracted period. This makes hair testing an integral tool for organizations seeking more effective solutions to drug monitoring over standard options.
The beauty of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection window, effectively identifying drug use history over a 90-day span. In West Springfield Town, MA, this thorough testing method equips employers with a detailed view of employee substance usage, ensuring a comprehensive approach to maintaining workplace integrity.
The tamper-proof nature of hair follicle tests in West Springfield Town, MA, drastically limits any chance of sample adulteration. This robustness ensures the results are trustworthy and authentic, offering unparalleled reliability for individuals and institutions seeking undisputable drug testing outcomes.
Accessibility to convenient, nationwide testing centers, including West Springfield Town, MA, guarantees an effortless testing experience. With our broad network of testing facilities, obtaining drug analysis services becomes quick and hassle-free, catering to both local and national needs seamlessly.
In West Springfield Town, MA, the hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality from ordering to obtaining results. This discreet service addresses privacy concerns efficiently, ensuring users experience a seamless and worry-free interaction, maintaining individual confidentiality throughout.
Boasting competitive pricing and swift result turnaround in West Springfield Town, MA, our hair follicle testing offers substantial value for businesses of all scales. Combining affordability and speed, these tests provide a cost-effective solution, reinforcing financial efficiency alongside dependable outcomes.
In West Springfield Town, MA, hair follicle drug tests promise fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their advanced methodology ensures precision in detecting banned substances, delivering results that employers can trust. The expediency and dependability of this testing method make it a frontrunner in identifying drug use, setting a new standard for trustworthy detection.
For employers in West Springfield Town, MA, utilizing hair follicle testing provides peace of mind through ensured compliance with drug-free policies. This testing bolsters legal security, enhances workplace safety, and supports a safer working environment, vital for operational efficiency and employee welfare.
