Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair may offer a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to mail.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For additional EtG tests or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for precision. If scalp hair is inadequate, an equal volume of body hair might be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (face, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial intake of the sample into a lab’s system. This process involves checking the sample's seal and shipping status, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary evaluation for drugs of interest. While it is economical for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that indicate presumption of positivity in Screening must undergo further validation.
If a sample shows presumed positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, hair releases drugs in lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which explains the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected of being positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cadillac, MI: Hair testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. Its accuracy and reliability in detecting substances are superior, especially in Cadillac's professional environment.
Extended Detection Window in Cadillac, MI: Hair follicle tests offer a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, covering up to 90 days. This extended detection window benefits employers seeking thorough assessments of potential employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cadillac, MI: Hair follicle drug tests are highly resistant to tampering, providing results that are difficult to challenge. This testing method is favored for its reliability.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Locations in Cadillac, MI: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures everyone can access our services quickly and efficiently, including those in Cadillac, MI.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cadillac, MI: The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and respects privacy, making it an ideal choice for individuals in Cadillac.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cadillac, MI: Offering competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value, ensuring companies can conduct necessary tests without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cadillac, MI: Hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and unmatched precision. The test's ability to detect drug and alcohol use with high accuracy sets it apart. In Cadillac, MI, these testing capabilities ensure timely and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cadillac, MI: Utilizing hair follicle drug tests helps ensure adherence to workplace drug policies and minimizes legal risks, all while enhancing workplace safety.