Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains biomarkers within the strands, offering an extended record of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month window for detecting substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A close-to-scalp 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil) yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and validation. For EtG, special tests, and those over 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If head hair isn't available, the same amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This process checks that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data inputs not handled by an electronic custody chain.
Screening makes a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening need further verification.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive screening result. Presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary prior to confirmation. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the focus is on examining the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Lake Michigan Beach, MI, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests reveal a broader substance history, making them a more reliable method for comprehensive assessments.
Extended Detection Window
Offering an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Lake Michigan Beach, MI, provides employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use history. This gives a clearer picture of an employee or applicant's lifestyle.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests conducted in Lake Michigan Beach, MI, significantly lower the chance of sample tampering. They guarantee reliable results, making them a trusted option for ensuring sample integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free access to testing services with its nationwide centers, including those in Lake Michigan Beach, MI, ensuring quick and easy tests with minimal inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Lake Michigan Beach, MI, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize user privacy and ease, addressing concerns efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
At Accredited Drug Testing in Lake Michigan Beach, MI, we offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. Our services provide excellent value and assurance for businesses of every size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Lake Michigan Beach, MI, hair follicle drug testing provides unparalleled precision and speed. With high accuracy, these tests clearly detect substance use, ensuring dependable results. Hair tests are ideal for those requiring quick yet comprehensive substance use detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Lake Michigan Beach, MI, can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method helps mitigate legal risks while bolstering workplace safety, offering peace of mind.
