Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a significant method for identifying the usage of alcohol and drugs. It provides an extensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the continuously growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reflect a usage history of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to measure the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a proportionate quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair, in this context, specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in the lab consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where the sample is logged into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and inputting any supplemental data not available through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug presence. While it's a budget-friendly approach for ruling out drug use in most instances, a positive result during Screening must be validated for legal proceedings. Samples that test positive here undergo further confirmation.
If a sample shows positive indications in Screening, more hair is taken from the primary sample to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is particularly complex.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples showing positive presumptions are pre-washed for confirmation if needed. The entire test journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, adhering to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Alto, MI, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests are substantial. Broader detection capabilities, coupled with higher reliability, make hair tests a preferable option.
For those requiring dependable detection, hair tests capture more extended periods of drug use, rendering urine tests less comprehensive.
Hair follicle testing in Alto, MI, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This long-term overview of drug history supports better decision-making for employers seeking comprehensive insights.
Utilizing hair samples, various substances can be reliably detected, offering a complete view of an individual's drug use pattern.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Alto, MI, significantly reduces the chance of sample alteration. Reliable results are achieved through a method designed to withstand manipulation.
With hair tests' inherent resistance to contamination, confidence in results remains high, promoting trust and transparency in testing processes.
With widespread incident facilities, including those in Alto, MI, testing access becomes simple and convenient, ensuring quick, seamless service.
Nationwide, our centers provide hassle-free testing, delivering timely results through a network designed for accessibility and efficiency.
The hair follicle testing process in Alto, MI, is streamlined for simplicity, promoting a confidential approach from ordering to results delivery.
Privacy is paramount, with user-friendly protocols minimizing concerns and ensuring ease of use throughout the testing journey.
Competitive pricing in Alto, MI, makes hair follicle testing an affordable solution for companies. Coupled with fast turnaround, it delivers great value.
Quick processing times ensure reliable results, enhancing business certainty and client trust, all at a cost-effective rate.
Hair follicle drug tests in Alto, MI, offer exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use. Fast results provide dependable data about past drug consumption.
Efficient processing ensures prompt outcomes, allowing quick decision-making for those relying on these results for critical purposes.
Employers in Alto, MI, achieve peace of mind with compliant workplace drug testing policies through hair follicle tests.
These tests support drug-free environments, lowering legal risks and enhancing safety, thereby ensuring compliance and workplace integrity is maintained.
