Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substances by capturing biomarkers in the hair strand’s fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes any other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This process ensures the sample is sealed and sent properly, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes necessary data entries not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples presumed positive in Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive signs of positivity in Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening remains challenging.
Confirmation of positive screens is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and pursuant to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to more traditional urine tests in Buena Vista, MI, the former stands out for its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis covers a wider time frame for drug detection, ensuring employers and institutions receive a comprehensive view of substance use. This makes it a more effective choice for many scenarios.
Hair follicle testing in Buena Vista, MI, offers an extended window of detection, up to 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to gain an insightful perspective into an individual’s substance use history, assisting them in making informed decisions. Unlike shorter-term alternatives, hair tests provide a detailed account over several months.
In Buena Vista, MI, the hair follicle drug test is a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. This reliable testing approach promises results that are both authentic and accurate, leaving little room for manipulation. Its integrity ensures trustworthy outcomes for employers and institutions alike.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a network of nationwide facilities, including local centers in Buena Vista, MI. This widespread availability ensures quick and hassle-free access to testing services, enhancing convenience for individuals and businesses in need of reliable testing solutions.
In Buena Vista, MI, our process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. We prioritize privacy, ensuring a seamless experience while addressing any concerns about ease and security. This makes our service appealing to a wide array of clients.
Our pricing for hair follicle testing in Buena Vista, MI, is competitive, and turnaround times are swift. This ensures excellent value and reassurance for businesses of any scale, as they can efficiently obtain test outcomes without compromising on quality or affordability.
In Buena Vista, MI, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and accuracy. The method's precision ensures that substance use is reliably detected, providing results you can trust. With a meticulous approach, hair testing presents swift detection and confirmation of drug use, making it an essential tool for those seeking assured outcomes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Buena Vista, MI, helps employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety by detecting substance use accurately. This method provides peace of mind for employers seeking to maintain a secure and substance-free environment for their workforce.
