Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-term evidence of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing about 200 strands of hair (equivalent to a #2 pencil’s thickness) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is lacking, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically relates to scalp hair. Body hair includes hair from other areas (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for handling a drug test result consists of four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab’s system, including confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive result requires verification to hold up in legal scenarios. Samples appearing positive during Screening demand additional confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. During Extraction, substances are extracted at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair testing as the most challenging methodology.
Validation of any screening positivity is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The full process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination concerns the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bear Lake, MI
In Bear Lake, MI, hair testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the major benefits is its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle tests can detect a broad range of substances over an extended period, making them a more thorough choice compared to urine tests, which have a shorter detection window.
Extended Detection Window in Bear Lake, MI
Hair follicle testing boasts an extended detection window, allowing employers in Bear Lake, MI, to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history reaching up to 90 days. This longer detection span is crucial for a wide-ranging assessment, providing a clearer picture of an employee's or applicant's drug use habits over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bear Lake, MI
A major advantage of hair follicle testing in Bear Lake, MI, is its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly diminishes the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring results are both reliable and credible. The integrity provided by hair testing helps maintain the trustworthiness of the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bear Lake, MI
Accredited Drug Testing provides the convenience of nationwide testing centers, including local options in Bear Lake, MI, ensuring testing services are easily accessible and hassle-free. Whether local or nationwide, these locations facilitate swift and simple drug testing for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bear Lake, MI
The hair follicle drug testing process in Bear Lake, MI, is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the process prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality and ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bear Lake, MI
Accredited Drug Testing is committed to offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times in Bear Lake, MI. These affordable rates, paired with efficient service, provide excellent value and assurance to businesses of all sizes, underscoring the importance of cost-effective drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bear Lake, MI
Hair follicle drug tests in Bear Lake, MI, are renowned for their rapidity and precision in delivering results. These tests stand out by providing extremely high accuracy in detecting various substances, offering clear insights into an individual's drug use profile. By opting for hair testing, individuals and organizations benefit from a testing method that's both swift and reliable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bear Lake, MI
Employing hair follicle testing in Bear Lake, MI, ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities and enhancing overall workplace safety. This level of compliance not only safeguards the work environment but also grants employers peace of mind, knowing they're upholding industry standards.
