Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair record long-term traces of alcohol and drugs by embedding markers within the hair's structure as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can indicate up to roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses other hair types (such as facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves introducing a sample into a lab’s system initially. This step checks that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns an unidentified LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid review for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be valid in legal settings. Any Screening samples that test presumptively positive require further confirmation.
If presumptive positivity arises during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, substances are removed from hair in much lower amounts than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample is cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Muir, MI
Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing covers a longer detection window, offering more comprehensive insights into drug use compared to urine tests which are limited to recent consumption.
Moreover, the chance of tampering is reduced significantly with hair tests, making them a more secure choice for employers seeking to enforce stringent drug-free workplace policies effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Muir, MI
The ability of hair follicle testing to reveal drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, offers unparalleled insight into an individual's substance history. This extended window is especially beneficial for employers aiming for a thorough evaluation of both prospective and current employees.
This prolonged detection capability contrasts sharply with other testing methods, enabling a broader view into an individual's history with controlled substances.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Muir, MI
Hair follicle tests offer a high degree of security against sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the test results. Simple substances or methods that can potentially alter the outcome of other tests are much less likely to affect hair sampling.
This robustness makes hair follicle testing a trustworthy choice for institutions that require reliable drug use assessments, contributing to result accuracy and accountability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Muir, MI
With extensive testing centers located across the nation, including those servicing Muir, MI, accessing hair follicle testing is both convenient and manageable. This network assures quick and easy access to testing services locally and beyond.
This convenience allows individuals and organizations to partake in testing with minimal logistical hardships, streamlining the process wherever clients are based.
Simple, Confidential Process in Muir, MI
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential, ensuring your privacy is a top priority. The streamlined procedures make ordering, taking, and receiving results straightforward and secure.
Addressing confidentiality concerns head-on, the process remains discreet, further emphasizing reliability and ease of use throughout the testing journey for all clients engaged.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Muir, MI
Competitive pricing structures, coupled with fast turnaround times, ensure that hair follicle testing provides a valuable solution for businesses of all sizes. Clients benefit from cost-effective, yet accurate testing solutions.
These competitive rates and efficient service delivery contribute to a satisfactory client experience, affording peace of mind regarding both financial and operational aspects of testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Muir, MI
Hair follicle drug tests provide a level of precision and speed unmatched by other testing methods. With high accuracy, they offer substantial confidence in detecting substance use, eliminating doubts about the reliability of the results.
The quick turnaround time of hair testing facilitates rapid decision-making for employers and agencies. In combination with state-of-the-art analysis techniques, hair follicle tests ensure effective and dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Muir, MI
Implementing hair follicle tests in workplace drug screening programs provides employers with compliance assurance to drug-free policies. This fostered peace of mind helps mitigate legal risks and promotes a safe working environment.
For employers, this method not only proves compliance with regulations but also strengthens organizational safety protocols, enhancing general workplace well-being.
