Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Sampling hair close to the scalp can offer an estimated 3-month window to identify alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect hair samples, they are relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, obtaining 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair is not accessible, the same quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry that is absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase consists of an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While it is a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening demands confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples with a presumptively positive result during this phase require subsequent validation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive result in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this stage, drug substances are extracted from the hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a challenging technique to carry out.
Positive results from the Screening phase are confirmed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive undergo a cleansing process prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Tests in Wrentham, MA lies in its superior detection and reliability. Hair tests offer a better understanding of substance use history through longer detection periods.
While traditional urine tests are limited, hair tests provide a robust solution, detecting substances with higher accuracy and offering employers dependable results.
Extended Detection Window is a major advantage of hair follicle testing in Wrentham, MA. This method can detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's substance history.
Employers can thus assess an applicant or employee's long-term drug use patterns, enhancing decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wrentham, MA with hair follicle tests offers a trustworthy way to screen for substances. The robust nature of these tests significantly lowers the chances of sample manipulation.
With hair testing, results are reliable and clear-cut, assuring stakeholders of the accuracy of the outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Wrentham, MA and beyond ensure that testing is just a step away. With centers scattered nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing facilitates easy and quick access to necessary testing services.
These locations simplify the process, minimizing hassle for anyone in need of drug testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wrentham, MA is among the benefits of hair follicle testing.
From ordering to receiving results, the process is streamlined to prioritize privacy and ease.
The assurance of confidentiality eases concerns, making it an optimal choice for those seeking discreet testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wrentham, MA make hair follicle testing accessible and valuable for any business.
Our competitive pricing structure and swift processing times ensure that companies can efficiently execute their drug testing needs without compromising on cost or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable results in Wrentham, MA make hair follicle tests a preferred choice. The precision and speed with which these tests identify substance use are unparalleled.
Hair testing ensures high accuracy by detecting various substances efficiently, making them a top-notch choice for concerned parties seeking conclusive evidence of drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers are critical advantages of hair follicle testing in Wrentham, MA. By ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, this testing method helps minimize legal risks.
