Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage. When obtained close to the scalp, hair samples can reveal a detection window for alcohol and other drugs lasting up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG and additional tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used instead. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the laboratory involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick check for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective way to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be admissible in court. Any samples with a presumptive positive outcome from Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Middleville, MI
For Middleville organizations, hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over urine testing by providing enhanced detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair tests unveil a detailed substance history, capturing drug use over extensive periods, ensuring robust and credible employee assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Middleville, MI
Employers in Middleville gain a broader view of drug usages with hair follicle tests, which reveal drug use history for up to 90 days. This wide window enables better evaluation of applicants or employees, ensuring thorough background checks with reliable insights that traditional methods cannot offer.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Middleville, MI
Hair follicle testing stands out in reducing sample tampering, providing Middleville employers with results that are tough to adulterate. The collected samples remain intact, offering concrete evidence that withstands scrutiny, thus enhancing trust in the results' validity and integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Middleville, MI
Our testing centers, accessible nationwide including local sites in Middleville, offer hassle-free, prompt services. This convenience allows for quick access to essential testing, making it incredibly efficient for individuals and businesses seeking reliable drug testing solutions without significant travel.
Simple, Confidential Process in Middleville, MI
The hair follicle testing process in Middleville is straightforward yet confident in privacy assurance. From ordering to result reception, each step ensures confidentiality, addressing any concerns about personal data handling, while maintaining a user-friendly approach that emphasizes simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Middleville, MI
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times define our hair follicle testing services in Middleville. We provide exceptional value, making these services accessible for companies of various sizes, all while ensuring efficient, timely results that deliver both quality and convenience.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Middleville, MI
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, offering Middleville residents a reliable solution. These tests not only guarantee high accuracy but also detect a broad range of substances, providing swift and dependable results that businesses can trust when it comes to substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Middleville, MI
With hair follicle testing, Middleville employers experience enhanced compliance with drug-free policies. This method offers peace of mind by minimizing legal risks and fostering a secure working environment, playing a pivotal role in upholding a standard of safety and adherence.
