Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The method of hair examination has garnered a reputation as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair can chronicle an extended history of substance use, with biomarkers encapsulated in the strands as they grow. When gathered close to the scalp, analysis of hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence over a span of nearly three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising around 200 strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or any analysis exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advisable. Should scalp hair be missing, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When describing head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes any other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing lab process is comprised of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is where a sample initially enters a laboratory's framework. This process involves confirming the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carrying out any necessary extra data entry if not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary review for substance abuse. While Screening efficiently rules out drug use in most cases at a lower cost, a positive outcome must be verified for legal acceptance. Samples that test positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive during Screening, more hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn out from the hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
To validate any positive screening results, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed. All suspected positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle testsâ€, the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in precision and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing boasts a much longer detection window and is less susceptible to manipulation. This method ensures the detection of a broader history of substance use, offering a more comprehensive analysis absent in urine-based tests.
Long-Term Detection Hair follicle testing in Worthington, MA, provides insights into drug use over an extended 90-day period, offering employers a thorough review of an individual's substance history. This long detection window equips organizations with a comprehensive overview, enhancing informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Secure Testing Hair follicle tests represent a tamper-resistant approach in Worthington, MA, significantly lowering the chances of sample adulteration. This secure testing method ensures results that are reliable and undeniable, promoting confidence in the accuracy of drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Testing Centers Enjoy the ease of nationwide and local testing centers in Worthington, MA. Our extensive network facilitates quick and accessible drug testing services, simplifying the process and minimizing the hassle involved in scheduling and completing necessary tests.
Effortless and Private The process for ordering, conducting, and obtaining hair follicle test results in Worthington, MA, is designed to be simple and confidential. Prioritizing user privacy and ease, Accredited Drug Testing ensures a seamless experience free from complexity and anxiety over personal data exposure.
Cost-Effective and Swift Experience exceptional value with competitive pricing and quick return times in Worthington, MA. Our hair follicle testing service promises affordability without compromising the speed of results, making it a beneficial option for companies of various sizes aiming for effective drug testing protocols.
Fast, Accurate Outcomes In Worthington, MA, hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid and reliable results. With high precision in detecting substance use, this method swiftly provides accurate identification of drug history, surpassing traditional testing methods. The quick delivery of results supports timely decision-making and policy enforcement with confidence.
Ensuring Compliance In Worthington, MA, hair follicle testing helps organizations maintain workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing security, this method offers peace of mind through assurance of a drug-free environment, critical for operational integrity.
