Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When samples near the scalp are collected, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Gathering hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to deliver.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp results in 100mg, the prime sample for analysis and validation. For EtG and additional tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Referencing head hair denotes scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes any other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial process of entering a sample into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, involves assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entails any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary check for drug abuse. While Screening is an efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Any samples showing presumptive positive in Screening require a confirmatory step.
When a specimen is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, extra hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Hermansville, MI, the benefits become apparent. Hair testing provides a superior detection accuracy and higher reliability, making it a preferred option. The tests are harder to manipulate and offer a more comprehensive view of drug use patterns, drastically enhancing the quality of the testing outcomes.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Hermansville, MI, allows assessment of drug use for up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history over a longer period. Such a comprehensive detection capability far exceeds that of traditional drug testing methods, enabling more informed decisions based on historical substance use data.
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method in Hermansville, MI, significantly lowering the chances of sample adulteration. This method offers peace of mind with its reliable and incontrovertible results. Such testing mechanisms ensure confidence in compliance and accurate results, reinforcing trust in substance use assessments.
With convenient testing locations across the nation, including in Hermansville, MI, obtaining drug testing services is straightforward. The widespread availability of our facilities ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing, making it simpler for individuals and employers to schedule necessary assessments without delay.
The hair follicle testing process in Hermansville, MI, is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, the process respects privacy and ensures ease of use. Concerns about confidentiality and simplicity are addressed, offering a straightforward method for individuals and organizations seeking reliable drug testing.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Hermansville, MI, presents excellent value for companies of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures, coupled with speedy result delivery, provide peace of mind and efficient service without compromising quality or reliability.
In Hermansville, MI, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. These tests are renowned for their precision in identifying substance use, ensuring trustworthy results that stand up to scrutiny. With advanced testing methods, individuals and organizations can be confident in the accuracy and swiftness of the detection process.
Employers in Hermansville, MI, can attain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method helps ensure adherence to drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and liabilities. The testing process enhances workplace safety by providing confidence in an employee's compliance with substance use regulations.
