Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, comparatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment with roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advocated. We suggest measuring the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t present, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for lab processing of drug test results comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. It involves confirming the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that wasn’t provided electronically via the chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample be preliminarily positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations from the hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmaiton of any screened positive result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminarily positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coopersville, MI
In Coopersville, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in accuracy and detection. Offering a longer observation period, these tests capture substance history more reliably. This ensures successful enforcement of substance-free environments, with hair tests being preferred for their robust detection capabilities.
Extended Detection Window in Coopersville, MI
Hair follicle tests provide an extensive detection window, spotting drug use up to 90 days in the past. This attribute gives employers in Coopersville a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, assisting in making informed decisions based on reliable data about an applicant or staff member's habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coopersville, MI
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering in Coopersville, yielding consistent and uncompromised results. The observed collection process deters attempts at sample adulteration, serving as a trustworthy method to ascertain drug use history accurately.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coopersville, MI
Testing in Coopersville is quick and hassle-free with our expansive network of nationwide and local testing centers. These facilities are readily accessible, offering convenience, efficiency, and ease for individuals and organizations seeking reliable testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Coopersville, MI
The hair follicle testing process in Coopersville is designed to be straightforward and discreet. With an emphasis on privacy, ordering, testing, and result retrieval are carried out seamlessly, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and simplifying the experience for users.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coopersville, MI
In Coopersville, our hair follicle testing services present competitive pricing and rapid result times. We ensure excellent value and swift service, providing peace of mind for companies both small and large, making reliable testing accessible to a broader audience.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coopersville, MI
Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and speed in Coopersville. With a highly accurate detection ability, they are trusted for identifying substance use effectively. Results are processed promptly, ensuring minimal delays and providing stakeholders with dependable information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coopersville, MI
Employers in Coopersville gain assurance through hair follicle testing, which supports adherence to workplace drug policies. By reducing potential legal issues and bolstering workplace safety, this method enhances employers' peace of mind with its comprehensive screening capabilities.
