Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture the history of substance use over a prolonged period by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for up to roughly 90 days. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is relatively tamper-resistant, and transportation is convenient.
A 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and validation. For EtG testing, supplementary analyses, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be sampled, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data input not included by an electronic chain of custody method.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result requires Confirmation to be valid legally. Samples that test positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair from the initial specimen is used for Extraction. In this step, substances are separated from hair at a lower concentration than that in other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate method to conduct.
For any positive results from Screening, Confirmation is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The total laboratory protocol, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is a misnomer, as the analysis involves the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in East Jordan, MI offers distinct advantages over urine testing. The ability to detect substance use over a longer period provides a more complete drug history. With enhanced accuracy and dependability, hair testing surpasses traditional methods, ensuring those using prohibited substances cannot go undetected.
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing in East Jordan, MI is its extensive detection period, stretching up to 90 days. This duration allows employers to gain valuable insight into an individual's history with any substance, ensuring a thorough understanding of their drug use habits.
Conducting tamper-resistant testing in East Jordan, MI significantly minimizes sample adulteration risks. Hair follicle testing is naturally resistant to tampering because once the hair is collected, altering results becomes virtually impossible, thereby offering reliable and secure outcomes for stakeholders.
With convenient testing locations throughout East Jordan, MI, and the entire nation, obtaining a hair follicle drug test is hassle-free. These widespread centers make it easy for individuals to access professional drug testing services promptly, ensuring efficient and effective testing solutions are within reach.
In East Jordan, MI, the hair follicle drug testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to protect your privacy and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience, all while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and discretion.
Offering affordable pricing and expeditious turnaround times in East Jordan, MI, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from competitive pricing structures that ensure compliance and peace of mind without incurring prohibitive costs.
In East Jordan, MI, obtaining fast, accurate, and reliable results is crucial. Hair follicle drug tests offer precision in detection, enabling us to better understand someone's recent substance use. The reliability of these tests is unmatched due to their stringent laboratory procedures that ensure any traces of drugs are unequivocally detected.
For employers in East Jordan, MI, utilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This practice not only helps in maintaining a lawful environment but also enhances workplace safety, ultimately providing peace of mind to both employers and employees.
