Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an influential method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month period of alcohol and drug presence. The process of collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and shipment is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and validation. For tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is integrated into a laboratory's system. It involves confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening takes on an initial rapid test for substances of concern. While Screening is an affordable approach to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples classified as presumptively positive during Screening need further corroboration through a secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair from the initial collection is used for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug testing as the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive detected in Screening is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed as required before confirmation. The complete laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in Kingston, MI, offering advantages in detection accuracy and dependability. While urine tests are customary, the extended detection window of hair tests makes them superior. Hair tests can uncover drug usage over a longer period, unlike urine tests whose detection spans are shorter. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for thorough scrutiny of substance use, providing better insights.
In Kingston, MI, hair follicle screening is unparalleled due to its extensive detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This test grants employers an enriched understanding of a candidate or employee’s substance profile. Unlike standard tests, which have reduced detection phases, this method offers a broader historical insight into substance use, making it an invaluable tool for hiring and monitoring processes.
The sturdy framework of hair follicle tests significantly minimizes tampering risks, making them trustworthy in Kingston, MI. Unlike other testing methods that may be vulnerable to deception, hair tests preserve sample integrity, offering reliable results. This method's resistance to adulteration ensures employers receive a true representation of substance use, promoting confidence in the outcomes.
Nationwide testing centers, including those in Kingston, MI, provide convenience and accessibility. These local sites ensure that individuals have easy access to drug testing services. Whether it is for employment or legal requirements, our nationwide presence simplifies the logistics of testing, allowing for fast and trouble-free service without the need to travel far.
The streamlined and discreet procedure in Kingston, MI, for ordering and executing hair follicle tests addresses privacy concerns head-on. Simply schedule, submit, and receive results in a non-intrusive manner. This confidentiality and ease contribute to an unobtrusive experience, ensuring individuals’ scanning is handled with sensitivity and respect, without compromising on thoroughness.
Kingston, MI, businesses benefit from competitive pricing and swift results with our hair follicle testing. The cost-effective pricing models combined with fast result turnaround provide excellent value. Companies of all scales can leverage this affordable and reliable testing method to uphold safety measures and operational sanctity, ensuring peace of mind for stakeholders.
In Kingston, MI, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug evaluations stand out. The accuracy in identifying substance use with hair testing is unmatched. Results are obtained faster, providing reassurance to employers and professionals. Hair testing methods offer a reliable perspective into substance consumption, ensuring dependable results that uphold safety and compliance standards in a timely manner.
Employers in Kingston, MI, find peace of mind and compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method enhances organizational safety while decreasing legal risks. By adopting this stringent testing approach, companies assure adherence to regulations, fostering a safer, more controlled work environment. Ensuring sobriety among employees becomes streamlined and trusted.
