Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug use over a detection period of approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, it is challenging to modify deceitfully, and it can be transported with ease.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. The use of a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair should be collected. Note that when mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase involves integrating a sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigning it a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, swift evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical technique to exclude drug usage from most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen to proceed to Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than alternative processes (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Prior to confirmation, all samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed as warranted. Every segment of the lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and adhering to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine testing in Constantine, MI? It's simple. Hair testing offers superior accuracy in detecting substance use, providing reliable results that surpass the traditional urine methods. By detecting a broader spectrum of substances over a longer timeframe, hair testing ensures a more comprehensive analysis, bolstering workplace safety and compliance.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Constantine, MI, is a remarkable advantage. Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers an extensive overview of an individual's substance use history. This long-term detection helps in making informed employment decisions.
When it comes to reducing the risk of sample adulteration in Constantine, MI, hair follicle tests lead the way. Tamper-resistant by nature, these tests provide reliable results that are nearly impossible to cheat. By collecting samples that are less likely to be altered, hair tests ensure trustworthy and accurate outcomes, leaving no room for doubt.
Ease of access is guaranteed with our widespread testing locations. In Constantine, MI, and nationwide, our centers provide prompt and convenient testing services. This network ensures that individuals or businesses can easily locate a center nearby, streamlining the process and reducing any inconvenience associated with testing.
In Constantine, MI, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be smooth and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the procedure is straightforward, maintaining privacy at every step. Users can rely on a seamless experience, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use throughout the testing process.
Our hair follicle testing in Constantine, MI, boasts affordable pricing paired with swift turnaround times. Companies of all sizes benefit from this value-driven approach, allowing them to maintain budget-friendly strategies while receiving expedited and high-quality drug testing services. It's a winning combination that delivers satisfaction and peace of mind.
In Constantine, MI, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and reliability. This method offers fast and accurate results, efficiently identifying substance use with unmatched precision. Unlike other tests, it significantly minimizes errors and provides reliable outcomes trusted by employers and officials alike.
With the implementation of hair follicle testing in Constantine, MI, employers gain compliance assurance and peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, the risk of legal issues diminishes, and workplace safety enhances. This method helps create a secure environment, fostering employer confidence and employee wellness.
