Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Baldwin, MI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a vital approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged evidence of substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, it offers approximately a 3-month window for the detection of alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, less prone to tampering, and straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred quantity for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise the use of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core steps in lab analysis of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample within a lab’s framework. This step confirms the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a distinct LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening entails a preliminary check for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be permissible in legal situations. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

Presumptive positives from Screening undergo additional hair extraction for further analysis. During Extraction, substances are obtained from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of hair drug analysis.

Confirmation of any presumptive positive is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All provisional positives undergo a cleansing process prior to confirmation if needed. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can identify substance use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter timeframe.
• Resistant to cheating: It's extremely challenging to falsify a hair test, ensuring more reliable results.
• Historical insight: It portrays a pattern of substance use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Costliness: Hair tests generally incur higher expenses than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Influences such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Choosing hair follicle testing over urine testing in Baldwin, MI offers notable advantages. Hair tests provide superior accuracy and reliability in substance detection. Unlike urine tests, they can detect drug use for up to 90 days, making them invaluable for ensuring compliance with zero-tolerance policies.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing excels in Baldwin, MI due to its extended detection window. This method can identify drug usage over a span of up to 90 days, offering employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history. Such extensive coverage is pivotal in making informed hiring or retention decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Baldwin, MI, the resilience of hair follicle testing against tampering sets it apart. The process minimizes the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring results are both reliable and unquestionable, offering peace of mind to employers and organizations.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With testing facilities spread nationwide and locally in Baldwin, MI, accessing testing services is both convenient and hassle-free. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and employers can quickly and easily conduct necessary tests without unnecessary delays.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Baldwin, MI is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, every step is designed with user privacy and ease in mind. This ensures the process remains simple for all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Baldwin, MI benefits from affordable hair follicle testing with quick turnaround times. Competitive pricing structures are in place to ensure they're accessible, offering great value while maintaining swift and reliable service for businesses of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Baldwin, MI, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and reliability. This testing method ensures fast and highly accurate results in detecting a range of substances. The swift processing and stringent analysis techniques ensure results that employers and individuals can trust.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Baldwin, MI find reassurance in hair follicle testing as it aligns with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only supports compliance but also mitigates legal risks, contributing to a safer workplace environment.

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