Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses above 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in laboratories includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into a lab's system. This entails ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening require secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening highly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the endorsement of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Au Sable, MI highlights the advantages of hair testing. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair samples provide better accuracy and reliability. Hair analysis detects a broader time frame of substance use, making it superior for employers requiring detailed insight.
Extended Detection Window in Au Sable, MI is a key feature of hair follicle testing. By uncovering substance use for up to 90 days, this testing is invaluable for employers seeking thorough assessments of employees’ histories.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Au Sable, MI is achieved through hair follicle testing. This method significantly reduces risks of sample adulteration, ensuring results are both reliable and unquestionable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Au Sable, MI highlight the ease of access to Accredited Drug Testing services, offering quick and hassle-free testing nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Au Sable, MI is integral to ease and privacy in hair testing. Ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Au Sable, MI emphasizes our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery. Save time and money with high-quality services available for companies of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Au Sable, MI can be achieved through hair follicle drug tests. This advanced testing method ensures precision, swiftly detecting substance use with high reliability and minimal error margins.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Au Sable, MI emphasizes the role of hair follicle testing in upholding workplace drug-free policies. This method minimizes legal risks and bolsters workplace safety.
