Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Copper Harbor, MI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug ingestion by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluating and confirming. For EtG, supplementary assessments, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, it is suggested that 150mg of the specimen be used. It is advised to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. In terms of head hair, this specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair variations (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four fundamental stages involved in the lab processing of a drug testing result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of initially processing a sample into a lab's database. This encompasses confirming the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening comprises a preliminary swift examination for drugs of misuse. Even though Screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug usage for the majority of specimens, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be permissible in court. Any specimens that show a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.

If a specimen shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening ranks as the most challenging methodology to execute.

Any screening result that is positive is verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a brief detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, thus making the outcomes more reliable.
• Offers historical insights: It can reveal a pattern of drug consumption over a time span, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The superiority of hair follicle over urine testing in Copper Harbor, MI, cannot be overstated. While traditional urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests offer a more comprehensive overview, uncovering usage beyond immediate indications.

Advantages

• Extended detection periods that far surpass urine tests.
• Unaffected by temporary hygiene methods or recent abstinence from drug use.

Extended Detection Window

In Copper Harbor, MI, hair follicle testing extends drug detection up to 90 days, providing a panoramic view of an individual's past substance use.

Lasting Impact

• Employers gain a clearer understanding of an employee's lifestyle, far beyond what urine tests provide.
• This broader detection window enhances decision-making during recruitment and monitoring.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Copper Harbor, MI, offer robust protection against tampering. Individuals seeking to alter results find hair testing a formidable challenge.

Secure and Reliable

• Hair samples are resistant to adulteration, preserving result integrity.
• The process minimizes risks of sample contamination, ensuring fairness.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Copper Harbor, MI, benefits from the extensive network of testing centers provided by Accredited Drug Testing, facilitating easy access to vital services.

Testing Made Easy

• Multiple locations ensure swift and convenient testing across the region.
• Eliminates the hassle of long-distance travel to meet testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Copper Harbor, MI, is streamlined and maintains utmost confidentiality, easing concerns about privacy.

Effortless and Private

• Ordering and testing procedures are simple, discreet, and user-friendly.
• Results are handled with the highest degree of privacy and security.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

At Copper Harbor, MI, hair follicle testing is offered at competitive prices with rapid turnaround, delivering superior value.

Cost-efficient Solutions

• Affordable pricing ensures accessibility for organizations of all sizes.
• Fast processing times allow for quicker decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

For residents of Copper Harbor, MI, hair follicle drug tests provide results with unmatched speed and accuracy. The precision in detecting even minute quantities of substances is notable, ensuring a thorough examination of past drug use.

Accuracy & Speed

• Tests offer swift processing without sacrificing precision, delivering timely results.
• Guaranteed accurate results help maintain trust and reliability in the testing procedure.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle tests ensures that companies in Copper Harbor, MI, adhere to drug-free policies while enhancing workplace safety.

Employer Confidence

• Reduces legal risks associated with non-compliance.
• Provides employers with peace of mind through reliable testing practices.

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