Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessment is now acknowledged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An adequate sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair—ideal for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and panels over 10, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar weight of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair specifically means scalp hair. Other body hair includes all non-scalp types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into a lab’s system. This entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not captured by electronic custody systems.
Screening executes an initial rapid drug check. It is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for most samples; however, a positive screen must be verified for judicial acceptance. Samples testing positive at this stage must undergo further confirmation.
In cases of a positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the actual test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hickory Corners, MI
Hair testing surpasses urine methods through its superior reliability and detection. It examines a larger timeframe of drug use, allowing a more comprehensive analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Hickory Corners, MI
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle drug testing provides employers with a broader insight into an individual's substance use history, offering a more complete picture.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hickory Corners, MI
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chances of sample adulteration, offering a reliable and foolproof method for accurate results, ensuring peace of mind for users.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hickory Corners, MI
With a vast network of testing centers, including local facilities, the process is convenient and stress-free, perfectly aligning with your testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hickory Corners, MI
Our testing process is designed to be simple and secure, addressing privacy and convenience, from ordering to receiving results, ensuring client confidentiality at each step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hickory Corners, MI
Our pricing models are designed to be competitive, offering exceptional value without compromising on quality or turnaround time, supporting businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hickory Corners, MI
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and dependable results, setting a high standard for precision. With advanced technology, tests effectively pinpoint substance use, ensuring accuracy unmatched by other methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hickory Corners, MI
Employing hair follicle tests assures businesses maintain drug-free environments, upholding regulatory standards and valuing their reputations while ensuring workplace safety.
