Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance exposure by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for about a 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both screening and validation. For EtG extensions, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This process involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid legally. Any Screening samples that show positive indications require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show a positive indication during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug screening being the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Cedar Springs, MI, hair follicle testing often surpasses urine testing in numerous ways. The extensive detection period offers a comprehensive view of historical drug use. Superior Accuracy: Hair testing can pinpoint drug use more effectively than the traditional urine method, providing additional peace of mind for employers.
Hair follicle testing boasts an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing most other methods in Cedar Springs, MI. Understanding Substance History: Employers can gain thorough insights into an individual's drug habits, allowing for more informed decisions regarding employment and continued assessment.
Hair follicle testing in Cedar Springs, MI is known for its robust tamper-resistant features. Reliable Collection Methods: The approach significantly deters sample manipulation and ensures integrity, making it a preferred choice for employers seeking dependable drug testing outcomes.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including Cedar Springs, MI, access to hair follicle testing has never been easier. Local and Nationwide Accessibility: This widespread network guarantees easy, stress-free access to our services wherever you may be situated.
The hair follicle testing process in Cedar Springs, MI is both simple and confidential. Privacy Matters: From ordering the test to obtaining the results, every step ensures confidentiality and ease, addressing privacy concerns for individuals and employers alike.
Our testing services in Cedar Springs, MI offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Value-Driven Services: Companies, regardless of size, benefit from affordable options and quick result delivery, making drug testing efficient and budget-friendly.
Hair follicle testing in Cedar Springs, MI provides fast, precise results, ensuring accurate detection of drug use. Accurate Results Matter: Each sample is handled with care to deliver results you can trust. With the skilled processing of hair samples, this method reveals a detailed account of substance use, bringing invaluable clarity.
Ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies is vital for employers in Cedar Springs, MI. Peace of Mind: Hair testing helps reduce legal risks by adhering to strict standards and enhances safety, providing assurance and protection in the workplace environment.
