Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are highly regarded as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an insight into a roughly 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drug presence. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and verification. To test for EtG, extra substances, and/or more than 10 drug panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is missing, the same quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifies scalp hair alone. Body hair refers to any other types of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four critical stages in processing drug test outcomes in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This involves affirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, generating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and fulfilling any extra data entry unmet by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of conducting a preliminary check for drug abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples that show presumptive positivity during Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample indicates presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positivity are pre-washed before confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Howell, MI
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. With its long detection window and reliability, employers gain a more complete picture of substance use over time.
Extended Detection Window in Howell, MI
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to have a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, rather than just recent usage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Howell, MI
Hair follicle tests are designed to be tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of cheating. This ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, providing peace of mind.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Howell, MI
Our nationwide testing centers, including those in Howell, MI, provide convenient and hassle-free access to drug testing services, ensuring quick and easy access for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Howell, MI
The hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while providing ease of use for ordering, testing, and receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Howell, MI
We offer competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value and peace of mind for companies of any size seeking reliable testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Howell, MI
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests make them incredibly reliable. They swiftly detect substance use with high accuracy, ensuring dependable results for employers in Howell.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Howell, MI
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety for employers.
