Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has garnered recognition as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by trapping biomarkers within the strands of developing hair fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal usage detection for up to about a 3-month period concerning alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, fairly resistive to adulteration, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) gathered nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for evaluation and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair might be obtained. Mention of head hair implies exclusively scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary intake of a sample into the laboratory system. This encompasses ensuring the sample's sealing and correct shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for abuse drugs. While Screening offers a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary to ensure court admissibility. Any samples suggested as positive in Screening must undergo an additional confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive sample, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from the hair at notably lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), proving hair drug screening as the most challenging method to implement.
Any positive screening results necessitate Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the overall lab procedure is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the testing procedure actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle portion beneath the scalp.
In Weston, MA, hair follicle testing is coming out on top when compared to conventional urine tests. The primary advantage is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a more extended detection period, offering a more thorough overview of an individual's drug use history.
Employers in Weston, MA, benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle tests, which can identify drug use up to 90 days prior. This capability allows for a comprehensive evaluation of an applicant's or employee's substance history, giving companies insight into long-term patterns.
Hair follicle tests in Weston, MA, significantly curb the chances of sample tampering, ensuring reliable outcomes. With strict collection protocols in place, these tests are designed to be tamper-resistant, offering peace of mind with results that are beyond dispute.
Our extensive network of testing centers offers unrivaled convenience, with locations available nationwide and locally in Weston, MA. Our centers provide quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring that clients have constant access to reliable drug testing.
In Weston, MA, the process for hair follicle drug testing is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results, every step is designed to protect privacy and assure ease of use. Clients can trust that their information is handled discreetly.
Weston, MA, benefits from competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing. Our affordable rates ensure that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value, while quick processing times provide peace of mind for time-sensitive needs.
For residents of Weston, MA, hair follicle drug testing stands out as a fast, precise, and trustworthy option. With its high degree of accuracy, these tests efficiently detect substance use, providing clarity and reliability that stakeholders can depend on. The rapid processing of these tests ensures timely results while maintaining integrity.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Weston, MA, brings peace of mind to employers, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal hazards and bolsters workplace safety, assuring that companies maintain high standards while safeguarding their workforce.
