Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely recognized as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. It offers an extended timeline of usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for a period of up to 3 months. This method is easy to gather, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG assessments, extra panels, or tests above 10 panels, it's advisable to collect 150mg. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not provided by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid check for drugs of misuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Specimens with a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging procedure.
Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Marlette, MI
When comparing hair and urine drug tests, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy. Hair samples reveal an extended history of substance use, while traditional urine tests only show recent drug intake. This makes hair testing more reliable for long-term assessments and policy compliance.
Extensive Detection Period in Marlette, MI
The remarkable detection window of hair follicle testing, spanning up to 90 days, provides employers with valuable insights into an individual’s drug usage over time. This wider net offers a more complete picture of an employee's or candidate's habits, assisting in making informed employment decisions.
Securing Reliable Results in Marlette, MI
Hair follicle tests are almost impossible to manipulate, reducing risks of sample adulteration. This robust testing method ensures that results are dependable and unquestionable, reinforcing trust in the outcomes and ensuring integrity in the testing process.
Accessible Testing Centers in Marlette, MI
Our expansive network of nationwide testing centers ensures that individuals in Marlette and beyond can access our services with ease. This widespread availability guarantees that testing is convenient, efficient, and stress-free for all participants involved.
Effortless and Private Testing in Marlette, MI
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is streamlined to address privacy concerns and ensure a user-friendly experience. Confidentiality and simplicity remain at the core of our services.
Competitive Pricing and Speedy Results in Marlette, MI
Our affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times provide excellent value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our budget-friendly options without compromising on quality, ensuring timely and actionable insights into drug use within the workplace.
Swift and Accurate Testing in Marlette, MI
The precision and promptness of hair follicle drug tests make them an invaluable tool in Marlette. Known for their high reliability, these tests quickly and accurately detect substance use, ensuring consistent and trustworthy results every time. Their swift processing speeds up decision-making processes, providing peace of mind.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Marlette, MI
Hair follicle testing assists employers in maintaining drug-free workplaces, meeting policy standards, and mitigating legal risks. This method not only ensures safety but also provides peace of mind, knowing that compliance is consistently achieved.