Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the strands, hair provides an extended timeline of substance use. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is difficult, and shipping is simple.
A 1.5-inch hair sample composed of around 200 strands, about the diameter of a #2 pencil, is optimal for testing, yielding 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Measurement on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in a lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving entering the sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any extra data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary analysis for drugs of abuse. While Screening economically excludes drug use in most cases, a positive result must be validated for it to be court-acceptable. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are separated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
The Confirmation stage for positive screenings utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples deemed presumptive positives undergo a necessary wash before confirmation. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests in Calumet, MI, offering enhanced detection accuracy. By analyzing hair samples, this method provides more reliable results, making it a preferred choice among employers. Hair tests not only extend the detection window but also ensure a higher level of precision and credibility, catering especially to institutions that prioritize accurate and consistent drug use screening.
In Calumet, MI, hair follicle testing is recognized for its ability to detect substances over an extended period of up to 90 days. This longer detection window gives a thorough overview of an individual's substance history, aiding employers in evaluating the consistency of drug use. Hair testing therefore provides a more complete picture, supporting workplaces in maintaining a drug-free environment with a greater historical insight.
Hair follicle tests in Calumet, MI, are resilient against tampering, providing a reliable assessment tool that significantly decreases the possibility of sample adulteration. The testing method ensures that the results are trustworthy, reducing manipulation risks. Unquestionable results from hair tests reassure employers, allowing them to uphold strict policies with confidence.
Our nationwide testing centers, including Calumet, MI, offer unparalleled convenience in accessing drug testing services. Quick, efficient, and hassle-free, these locations ensure that individuals and businesses alike can effortlessly fulfill testing requirements. Convenient access to these centers simplifies the process, offering comprehensive coverage for all your testing needs at local and national levels.
In Calumet, MI, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step respects privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. Transparent procedures guarantee that individuals and organizations can navigate the testing needs with assurance of confidentiality, reinforcing trust in the process.
Offering competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Calumet, MI, delivers value for businesses of all sizes. Affordable pricing ensures that companies can integrate this reliable testing method into their operations without financial strain. Cost-efficiency and rapid results are key, providing peace of mind and enhancing decision-making timelines.
In Calumet, MI, hair follicle testing stands out for its rapid, precise, and reliable results, setting a high standard in substance detection. The method ensures timely reporting of substance use, recognized for its exceptional accuracy among testing options. Hair follicle testing excels in delivering results with minimal delay, making it a trusted choice for those requiring dependable and expedient assessment of drug use.
Employers in Calumet, MI, gain peace of mind and compliance reassurance through hair follicle testing. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, this method diminishes legal liabilities and fortifies workplace safety. Hair testing aids in maintaining a safe work environment, enforcing regulations that employers rely on to promote a harmonious and compliant workplace.
