Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance exposure by incorporating biomarkers in the hair fiber as it grows. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can reflect a drug usage history of up to about three months. The collection process is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) and closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the standard sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10 drugs, 150mg is preferred. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. 'Head hair' specifically denotes scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Four key stages comprise the laboratory drug test processing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails integrating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This consists of verifying the sample's seal and proper shipment, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial scan for substances of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective method to eliminate drug exposure in most samples, it requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples flagged as potentially positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a potential positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This step removes drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of performing hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is conducted under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually evaluates the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Worcester, MA - When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests, the differences are stark. Hair testing outperforms with superior detection accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection window, hair tests provide a comprehensive assessment of substance use, making them an ideal choice over urine tests for precise detection.
Extended Detection Window in Worcester, MA - Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, up to 90 days, in Worcester. This extended period helps employers attain a thorough overview of an applicant or employee's substance usage history, providing peace of mind with comprehensive evaluation.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Worcester, MA - Hair follicle testing minimizes the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring dependable results. This testing method in Worcester is designed to deter any adulteration attempts, contributing to the production of reliable findings that can be trusted.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Worcester, MA - With testing centers spanning nationwide, including Worcester, accessing drug testing services becomes simple. Our wide-reaching network ensures quick, hassle-free testing for everyone, making it incredibly convenient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Worcester, MA - In Worcester, the process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and private. Client confidentiality is our priority, ensuring all your concerns about privacy and ease of use are perfectly addressed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Worcester, MA - With competitive pricing and speedy result delivery, our hair follicle testing offers unmatched value. Businesses of all sizes in Worcester will benefit from both cost-effectiveness and remarkable turnaround times.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Worcester, MA - Hair follicle drug tests in Worcester stand out for their precision and efficiency. The swift analysis coupled with high accuracy ensures substance detection is not only speedy but also trust-worthy. This advanced testing technology allows individuals and organizations to confidently rely on results for informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Worcester, MA - Implementing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks for Worcester employers but also enhances company safety, fostering an environment of trust and security.
