Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strands, hair provides a comprehensive historical record of substance use. When acquired close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional components, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary procedures: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab’s system. This entails confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be permissible in court. Samples presumed to be positive in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents one of the most challenging methodologies.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before verification as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Verification is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Prevails in Fair Haven, MI lies in its undeniable benefits over urine tests. Hair testing offers a longer detection period, capturing data on substance use up to 90 days prior. This broadens the scope beyond the limited window of traditional urine tests, showcasing superior detection ability and reliability.
The advantage of the extended detection window with hair follicle tests is unmatched in Fair Haven, MI. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing reveals drug use over an expansive period, capturing activity up to 90 days back. This comprehensive window provides employers with significant insight into long-term behavioral patterns.
In Fair Haven, MI, hair follicle testing is praised for its tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike other drug testing methods, it significantly reduces risks of sample adulteration. This robust approach delivers reliable results that are difficult to dispute or manipulate.
Convenience is key with our nationwide testing locations including Fair Haven, MI, facilitating access to reliable testing services. The extensive network of centers guarantees hassle-free and prompt access to hair follicle testing, fulfilling the needs of clients in various regions.
Our straightforward and confidential process in Fair Haven, MI, ensures ease of use for clients. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity, alleviating concerns about confidentiality and procedure.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times highlight our commitment to affordability and efficiency in Fair Haven, MI. This approach provides exceptional value to companies of all sizes, ensuring reliable testing without breaking the bank.
The reliability and speed of hair follicle drug testing deliver fast and accurate results in Fair Haven, MI. This method stands out for its precision and is known for detecting substance use with unparalleled accuracy. Compared to traditional methods, it proves superior due to its comprehensive approach.
Using hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies in Fair Haven, MI, providing peace of mind for employers. This method supports zero-tolerance policies and mitigates legal risks, ensuring workplace safety and adhering to regulatory standards.
