Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair provides a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug history by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands of hair (the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This includes verifying the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for legal validity. Any samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hersey, MI
The advantage of hair testing over urine testing lies in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing reveals drug usage over extended periods, providing a deeper analysis of an individual's substance history, which serves as a robust alternative to traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Hersey, MI
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window of up to 90 days, presenting a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use. This prolonged window allows employers in Hersey to assess the substance history of applicants and employees accurately.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hersey, MI
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant option that minimizes the chances of sample adulteration. Its robust methodology guarantees unquestionable and reliable results, providing peace of mind to testers and employers alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hersey, MI
The availability of testing centers nationwide, including Hersey, MI, ensures that access to hair follicle testing is both quick and hassle-free. This network of facilities simplifies the logistics of drug testing for organizations across various locations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hersey, MI
In Hersey, MI, our hair follicle testing process stands out for its simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to protect privacy and provide an easy, user-friendly experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hersey, MI
Our competitive pricing structure coupled with fast turnaround times ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes in Hersey, MI. These elements combine to offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hersey, MI
Hair follicle drug tests in Hersey, MI stand out for their speed and accuracy. Their precision in detecting substance use ensures that results are both reliable and swift, making them a preferred option for timely assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hersey, MI
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies in Hersey, MI. This reduces legal liabilities and enhances the overall safety of the work environment, offering a peace of mind that urine tests may not.