Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. The hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. Hair collected near the scalp can reveal up to an estimated 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp region yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be legally defensible. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
If the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than in other testing techniques (such as urine or saliva), underlining the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are used to confirm any positive screening outcomes. All samples that are presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 specifications.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis concerns the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine testing in Galesburg, MI. The benefits of hair testing include superior detection accuracy and a broader detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair samples provide consistent and reliable results, capturing longer-term substance use patterns that are otherwise undetectable with other methods.
Employers in Galesburg, MI, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance use. This extensive timeframe provides a comprehensive view into an individual’s substance history, crucial for making informed decisions about applicants or employees' past drug use.
Hair follicle tests in Galesburg, MI, are valued for their tamper-resistant nature. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, hair tests ensure reliable and trustworthy results. This method provides clarity and security for those requiring accuracy without concern for test manipulation.
Offering convenient testing access, our nationwide locations including Galesburg, MI, make hair follicle testing straightforward and accessible. With numerous centers available, individuals can experience hassle-free and prompt service, reflecting our commitment to quick and easy testing availability.
In Galesburg, MI, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are simplified to protect privacy and ease concerns. This user-friendly approach ensures participants are comfortable and informed throughout the testing experience.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround characterize our hair follicle testing service in Galesburg, MI. Affordable rates combined with efficient processing times provide excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind without compromising quality or financial sustainability.
In Galesburg, MI, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. Hair testing offers detailed and timely detection, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. This efficient method provides results that are both fast and dependable, making it a favored option for those prioritizing reliable outcomes.
For Galesburg, MI employers, hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By utilizing this method, businesses can reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety. Hair testing provides peace of mind by ensuring adherence to regulations and promoting a secure working environment.
