Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered an effective method for identifying usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a historical record of alcohol and substances by capturing biomarkers in the hair fibers as they grow. If taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and other drugs usage over an extended period of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Mention of head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four crucial phases in the lab processing of a drug testing outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's framework. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic custody protocol.
Screening is a preliminary swift examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold up legally. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this step, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening challenging to execute.
Verification of any positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed before verification as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lake Odessa, MI, surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. The main advantage is the extended detection period; hair tests can unveil drug use up to 90 days prior. In contrast, urine tests detect only recent consumption, making hair tests superior for long-term analysis.
Moreover, hair tests are almost impossible to tamper with, ensuring authenticity. While urine tests might be manipulated, hair testing's resistance to falsification safeguards the integrity of results, making it the preferred choice for many.
One of the compelling strengths of hair follicle testing in Lake Odessa, MI, is its extended detection window. With a testing range of up to 90 days, it offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, surpassing other methods that capture only recent activity.
For employers, this provides a thorough substance history profile, ensuring decisions based on accurate data, vital for maintaining workplace integrity and safety.
The method of hair follicle testing done in Lake Odessa, MI, is fundamentally tamper-resistant. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests offer a reliable sample collection process that's difficult to manipulate, ensuring authentic and truthful results every time.
This testing method reduces the risk of sample contamination, maintaining the quality and credibility of the analysis, resulting in trustworthy outcomes that stakeholders can rely on.
In Lake Odessa, MI, the accessibility of our nationwide testing centers makes the process of hair drug testing straightforward. With numerous locations, individuals can find convenient and quick access to testing services, eliminating hassle and reducing wait times.
Our facilities ensure a seamless experience, whether locally or across the country, providing ease and reliability for all testing needs.
The process for hair follicle testing in Lake Odessa, MI, is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, we ensure every step respects your privacy. This straightforward process makes it easy for individuals and employers to undertake testing without concerns about confidentiality.
Our client-focused approach ensures peace of mind throughout, reinforcing confidence in the testing procedure's discretion and efficiency.
In Lake Odessa, MI, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing combined with swift turnaround times. This balance provides excellent value for businesses of any size, ensuring that testing costs remain budget-friendly without compromising quality.
Our competitive pricing structure makes it feasible for companies to integrate fast, reliable testing into their operations, promoting workplace safety.
In Lake Odessa, MI, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and accuracy. This method boasts a swift turnaround, providing rapid and reliable results. Compared to other methods, its precision in detecting past drug use enhances employers' confidence in the findings, minimizing doubts and uncertainties in the testing process.
The precision of hair testing arises from its ability to capture a comprehensive drug use profile. This depth of analysis means there's less chance of errors, leading to more reliable insights into an individual's history of substance use.
Employers in Lake Odessa, MI, benefit significantly from adopting hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. With reliable results, employers can confidently uphold safety standards, reducing legal risks associated with drug use.
This method also brings peace of mind, knowing that the thorough testing process contributes to a safer, more productive workplace environment.
