Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers during hair growth. A sample taken near the scalp can offer an alcohol and drug detection period of approximately 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, has a low risk of tampering, and is simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) situated close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is scarce, an equal volume of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is brought into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry required outside of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the preliminary rapid assessment for drug substances. While it is a cost-efficient way to eliminate most samples for drug use, positive findings must be confirmed to hold up in court. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
When a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Drugs are extracted at lower concentrations from hair than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably challenging to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Gladstone, MI, surpasses urine testing by providing a longer and more reliable detection period for substance use. Whereas urine tests are limited to recent use, hair tests offer a clearer overview of an individual's history. This makes hair testing a superior choice for accurate results.
Hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive view of drug use extending up to 90 days, unlike traditional methods. Employers in Gladstone, MI, benefit from this extended detection window, gaining insight into a candidate's substance history to make informed decisions.
In Gladstone, MI, hair follicle tests stand out for their resilience against tampering. The method significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring that results remain reliable and beyond question. This makes hair tests the preferred choice for accuracy and trustworthiness.
Our numerous testing centers nationwide, including those in Gladstone, MI, provide convenience and ease of access for all testing needs. The process is designed to be quick and hassle-free, regardless of location, ensuring that you receive the services you require without difficulty.
The testing process in Gladstone, MI, is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease from order to result. With a focus on discretion, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees that clients experience a simple and private testing journey.
Accredited Drug Testing in Gladstone, MI, offers competitive pricing coupled with rapid turnaround times. This combination provides exceptional value, offering businesses of all sizes both cost efficiency and timely results, thus alleviating concerns surrounding budget constraints and long waits.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them the most sought-after testing method in Gladstone, MI. These assessments offer superior accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring fast and reliable results. By choosing hair testing, you're choosing a testing method that leaves no room for error.
Employers in Gladstone, MI, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks while enhancing safety, making it an essential component for compliant operations.