Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into an effective approach for detecting the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a record of alcohol and other drugs over a long period by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Taking a 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (approximately equal in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the lab begins by entering the sample into its system. This involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any extra data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial and rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be verified to be court-admissible. Presumptively positive samples from Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirming any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, any presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. A comprehensive review of the end-to-end laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is carried out under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, ignoring the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs in Grosse Pointe, MI. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests. Its enhanced reliability and precision make it a preferred choice for comprehensive substance use screening, providing peace of mind to employers.
Extended Detection Window for drug use is enabled through hair follicle analysis in Grosse Pointe, MI. This method allows recognition of substance consumption for up to 90 days, offering a detailed overview of an individual’s drug history, useful for employment assessments.
Hair follicle tests in Grosse Pointe, MI, bring a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. Compared to urine tests, the collection process is highly secure, minimizing the chance for adulteration and ensuring uncompromised and reliable results.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Grosse Pointe, MI, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures prompt and efficient service to meet your drug testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Grosse Pointe, MI, assures ease in ordering, conducting, and receiving hair test results. Our streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns while offering user-friendly methods for individuals and organizations.
In Grosse Pointe, MI, our hair follicle tests feature affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. This combination provides companies of varied sizes with remarkable value, allowing them to make informed decisions quickly and cost-effectively.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and efficient results in Grosse Pointe, MI. These tests excel in precision, promptly delivering results that detect a range of substances, proving essential for identifying usage patterns.
In Grosse Pointe, MI, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies. By supporting a drug-free environment, companies can reduce legal risks and promote a safer, more productive workplace culture.