Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of growing hair strands capture biomarkers, offering a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use. Hair samples collected near the scalp can detect substances for up to three months on average. Hair is easy to collect, tough to manipulate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, an ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into a laboratory's system. This stage ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any extra data entry is completed unless already managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. While it's an efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive findings require confirmation to be validated for legal purposes. Presumptively positive samples from Screening need subsequent confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive, additional hair from the original specimen is extracted and prepared for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Big Bay, MI
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing excels due to its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests can identify recent usage, hair testing provides a broader timeline, uncovering drug use within a 90-day period, offering an extensive historical insight.
The reliability of hair testing in Big Bay is unmatched. It is nearly impervious to cheating, unlike urine tests, which can be manipulated. This robustness renders it a more dependable method for substance abuse detection, favored by employers and courts alike.
Extended Detection Window in Big Bay, MI
Hair follicle testing stands out by offering an extended detection window, effectively identifying drug use over three months. This extensive timeline allows for a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history, crucial for employers in Big Bay.
With a wider detection scope, hair testing provides a detailed view of an applicant's or employee's past substance use, supporting informed decisions. This longer observation period ensures that no drug use goes unnoticed during screenings conducted in Big Bay, MI.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Big Bay, MI
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the opportunity for sample tampering. Unlike some testing methods, hair samples are collected with strict oversight, ensuring authenticity and reliability, thus delivering unquestionable results.
By employing a tamper-resistant approach, hair follicle testing secures dependable data, vital for making credible conclusions. Offering Big Bay, MI, a trustworthy option, this method ensures that the integrity of the test results remains intact.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Big Bay, MI
Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network of testing centers, including those in Big Bay, MI, ensures hassle-free access to essential hair follicle testing services across the nation, facilitating swift and effortless testing availability.
With strategic local and nationwide locations, we provide unmatched convenience, making it easier than ever for individuals and organizations to conduct or undergo necessary drug screenings, ensuring optimal accessibility and ease in Big Bay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Big Bay, MI
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be as straightforward and discreet as possible. Ordering a test is seamless, and privacy is maintained throughout the procedure, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality.
The simplicity of our system, coupled with strict privacy measures, ensures that those in Big Bay receive their results swiftly and securely. Emphasizing ease of use, our process promotes a stress-free experience for participants from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Big Bay, MI
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing, ensuring affordable access to high-quality hair follicle testing. Our efficient turnaround times provide quick results, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses and individuals alike.
For companies in Big Bay, this balance of affordability and speed offers excellent value, enhancing peace of mind and confirming that you're securing superior testing services without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Big Bay, MI
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched accuracy and speed in substance detection. Famed for its precision, it identifies drug use with high reliability, making it the preferred choice for swift and dependable results in Big Bay.
Utilizing advanced technology, hair testing delivers results expeditiously, ensuring that individuals and organizations receive prompt and precise feedback. This efficiency streamlines the decision-making process for employers and legal entities in Big Bay, MI.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Big Bay, MI
Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace statutes, minimizing legal challenges. This testing contributes to a safer work environment by identifying potential substance abuse effectively.
Beside ensuring regulatory adherence, the peace of mind afforded by consistent, reliable testing enhances employer confidence in maintaining a secure Big Bay workspace. Hair testing provides a clear path for aligning workplace policies with federal and state regulations.