What it is, How it works

Evaluated as a significant resource in identifying substance and alcohol consumption, hair testing is notable for encapsulating a prolonged history of these substances through biomarkers within the strands of hair. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for substances including alcohol. Hair samples are easily collected, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an ideal amount for both screening and confirmation assessments. For EtG, additional assessments, or tests beyond a 10-panel, a 150mg sample size is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jewelerâ€™s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be utilized. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair pertains to all other forms (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The primary four stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system, including confirmation of proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any supplementary data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary assessment to detect drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage from most samples, a court-admissible result requires a positive screen to be validated. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

Upon yielding a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, supplementary hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.

The Confirmation of any positive screening result employs techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples presumptively positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection window: Hair drug assessments can detect drug involvement for up to 90 days, contrary to urine assessments which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
Challenging to tamper with: Tampering with a hair drug test is highly difficult, ensuring the results are more precise.
Delivers historical insights: It can map out a drug use pattern over time, rather than just highlighting recent consumption.

Limitations:

Cannot discern recent consumption: Detection of drugs in hair typically requires around 5-7 days.
Expense: Hair drug assessments are generally pricier versus alternative drug testing approaches.
Diversity in results: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although frequently dubbed as "hair follicle tests", these assessments actually evaluate the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kenton, MI. Hair tests offer superior detection capabilities.

Detects drug use up to 90 days previously.
Harder to cheat compared to urine tests.
Observed collection ensures reliability.

This makes hair testing a preferred choice for employers.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Kenton, MI. Hair follicle tests track drug usage over a more extended duration, often up to 90 days. Employers get a detailed picture of an individual's substance history.

Employers gain comprehensive insights.
90-day detection period captures most past drug use events.
Offers security in hiring processes.

This extended window is a significant advantage.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kenton, MI. Hair follicle tests drastically reduce the risk of sample adulteration.

Collectors observe all samples.
Difficult to alter or substitute samples.
Ensures integrity and reliability in results.

Hair tests stand as a trustworthy means against tampering.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kenton, MI. With strategic centers across the nation, our services offer quick, uncomplicated access.