Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled close to the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, enhancements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair indicates all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing steps for a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into a lab's system. This includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial examination for substances of abuse. While Screening helps economically rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positivity in Screening require additional confirmation.
If Screening detects a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before final confirmation if necessary. Reviewing the complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", this test actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kingsford, MI
Hair follicle tests offer several advantages over urine tests. They boast superior detection accuracy and reliability, with a more extended detection window. This advanced method minimizes false negatives and undetected cases, ensuring a comprehensive review of an individual's substance history, providing peace of mind to employers and stakeholders in substance management.
Extended Detection Window in Kingsford, MI
Hair follicle testing evaluates drug use over an expanded span of up to 90 days, offering a panoramic perspective on an individual's substance history. This comprehensive view enables employers to gain a deeper understanding of potential hires or current employees, supporting informed decision-making and promoting a drug-free workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kingsford, MI
Unlike some other testing methods, hair follicle tests drastically lessen the possibilities of sample tampering. This robust process maintains the utmost integrity of results, ensuring employers and authorities receive dependable, indisputable data when evaluating substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kingsford, MI
With testing sites dispersed across the nation and locally in Kingsford, MI, accessing high-quality drug testing facilities has never been more straightforward. Our strategically located centers ensure a hassle-free experience, granting individuals and businesses quick entry to essential testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kingsford, MI
Our drug testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From scheduling tests to obtaining results, each step is streamlined and protected, respecting individual privacy and making the entire procedure user-friendly, ensuring client satisfaction and trust in the system.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kingsford, MI
Our competitive pricing combined with fast turnaround times offers outstanding value. Whether for small companies or large enterprises, our services strive to provide peace of mind without straining budgets, ensuring efficient substance management at cost-effective rates.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kingsford, MI
Hair follicle drug testing in Kingsford offers unmatched precision and speed. This method ensures high accuracy in detecting substances, outperforming traditional methods. Results are quickly processed, delivering trustworthy insights into substance use, making them invaluable for decision-makers who prioritize reliability and swift action.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kingsford, MI
Hair follicle testing plays a crucial role in ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thereby reducing legal exposure and enhancing overall safety. This method offers employers peace of mind by substantiating their efforts to maintain a compliant and secure work environment free of illicit substance influences.
