Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become a renowned method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair serves as a historical archive for alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When harvested near the scalp, hair offers up to approximately a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is uncomplicated to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, results in 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG enhancements or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We advise measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other varieties (facial, axillary, and so on).
Process Overview
The process of lab testing a drug sample involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of processing a specimen in the laboratory’s system. This encompasses confirming that the specimen was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug consumption in most cases, a positive screen demands confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the base sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, the drugs are extracted from the hair at notably lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo a cleansing before confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab procedure undergoes examination according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Westwood, MA, offers distinct advantages over urine testing. This method provides enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, ensuring greater confidence in results. In contrast to urine tests, hair follicle analysis reveals substance use over a longer period, offering a comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history.
The benefits of hair testing against traditional urine tests are significant. Hair tests excel in providing more accurate detection for chronic drug use. While urine tests might only detect recent use, hair analyses offer a clear picture of an individual's long-term behavior, making them invaluable for employers needing thorough assessments.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Westwood, MA, offers a substantial advantage. With the ability to detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days, this testing method gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history. It provides critical insights beyond the capabilities of more short-term focused testing methods like urine analysis.
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing's ability to detail a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's drug history. This elongated detection period enables organizations to make well-informed decisions when assessing potential risks associated with substance use within their workforce.
In Westwood, MA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. The collection process is closely monitored, minimizing opportunities for sample adulteration. This significantly reduces the risk of unreliable results and enhances the overall trustworthiness of the testing procedure.
By relying on hair follicle testing, organizations can receive results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This method's resistance to tampering is a vital component in maintaining integrity within drug testing programs, providing reassurance that the results are genuine and reflective of the tested individual's actual behavior.
Accredited Drug Testing offers the benefit of convenient nationwide testing centers, including locations in Westwood, MA. This extensive network ensures that individuals and organizations have quick and easy access to testing services, eliminating the hassle typically associated with drug testing procedures.
Our local and nationwide facilities make testing services incredibly accessible. Whether you're in Westwood or traveling across the country, our comprehensive network ensures that you receive timely and efficient testing, enhancing convenience and reliability for all users.
The process of hair follicle testing in Westwood, MA, is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, every step is streamlined to ensure ease of use. The procedure respects privacy concerns, allowing individuals to engage in drug testing with confidence and discretion.
Our confidential process supports individuals seeking comfort and security in substance screening. With an approach that prioritizes simplicity, users can seamlessly navigate through testing procedures, knowing their privacy is respected and protected throughout the entire process.
In Westwood, MA, we provide affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structure ensures that organizations of all sizes can access high-quality testing services without financial strain. Quick result turnaround further enhances the value we provide, reinforcing peace of mind for employers.
Competitive pricing coupled with fast turnaround makes our services in Westwood both cost-effective and timely. Regardless of an organization's size, our affordable testing solutions ensure that stakeholders receive excellent value and essential support in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
In Westwood, MA, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests in identifying substance use is unmatched, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions quickly. With rapid processing times and a high level of accuracy, hair follicle testing is an ideal choice for those needing definitive answers swiftly.
Utilizing hair follicle drug tests ensures you're receiving results that are not only quick but also exceedingly precise. The ability to detect drug use with accuracy provides significant assurance to employers and legal entities, making hair tests a preferred choice whenever certainty is critical.
Employers in Westwood, MA, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, knowing it supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks associated with non-compliance, ensuring that organizations adhere to necessary regulations while promoting a safe and healthy work environment.
Utilizing hair follicle testing can enhance workplace safety by ensuring the adherence to zero-tolerance policies. It serves as a critical component in preventing potential legal issues, while fostering an environment where employees feel secure and protected against the influences of drug use.
