Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Williamsburg, MA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent means for detecting substance use. It offers an extended timeline by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, it can reveal a usage history of alcohol and drugs up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to alter, and easy to dispatch.

A 1.5-inch sample, roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg, the preferred quantity for testing and verifying. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't present, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When we discuss head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory drug test procedure entails four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab's framework. This stage ensures the sample is sealed and transported accurately, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.

Screening provides a preliminary check for prohibited substances. Although it's an economical method to eliminate drug usage in many cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples that are provisionally positive in Screening need further confirmation.

If a sample is provisionally positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is sourced from the initial collection for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (ex., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug analysis particularly challenging to perform.

Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as provisionally positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory operation, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subjected to review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair tests can trace drug use for nearly 90 days, whereas urine tests cover a shorter period.
• Challenging to falsify: Hair tests are notably hard to deceive, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Reveals usage patterns: It offers a trajectory of substance use over time rather than only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It generally needs 5-7 days post-use for substances to be identifiable in hair.
• Expense: Hair tests typically come with a higher price than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair hue and personal hair growth rates may influence the presence of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Tests Outperform Urine Tests in Williamsburg, MA
Hair testing holds significant advantages over urine testing, especially in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Williamsburg businesses benefit from the extended detection window and tamper-proof nature of hair tests, ensuring superior results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Period in Williamsburg, MA
Hair follicle testing is capable of detecting substance use for up to 90 days, offering employers in Williamsburg an extensive view of a candidate or employee's drug history. This long detection period provides comprehensive insights.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Reliable Tamper-Resistant Testing in Williamsburg, MA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the likelihood of sample tampering, providing dependable and unquestionable results. This gives businesses in Williamsburg confidence in their testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Testing Facilities in Williamsburg, MA
Our widespread national testing centers make it easy to access services, offering convenience to Williamsburg residents. Ensuring quick and hassle-free testing locations enhances customer experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple and Private Process in Williamsburg, MA
Ordering and taking hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. In Williamsburg, we address privacy concerns while ensuring an easy-to-navigate process for receiving results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive Pricing and Swift Turnaround in Williamsburg, MA
Our pricing structures and prompt result delivery are designed to provide outstanding value. Williamsburg businesses can trust that our affordable services come with fast turnaround times.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Testing in Williamsburg, MA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. These tests boast high accuracy levels, making them ideal for detecting substance use effectively and efficiently. In Williamsburg, we ensure these tests deliver accurate results swiftly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Security in Williamsburg, MA
Employing hair follicle testing ensures that Williamsburg employers remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal liabilities and bolsters workplace safety significantly.

Drug Testing Near Williamsburg, MA

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