Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective measure for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can yield a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section containing about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG testing, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is lacking, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of samples for drug testing consists of four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the primary task is to integrate a sample into the lab's database. This process involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data input that may not be covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment to detect drug misuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in many samples, a positive Screening result must be validated for legal standing. Any samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of hair drug testing processes.
Any positive results in the screening phase are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives undergo washing as required. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.
In New Haven, MI, hair follicle tests surpass urine testing by offering greater detection precision and consistency. These tests are more adept at identifying drug use, offering a longer window of detection than urine tests. Employers looking for reliable results benefit from the superior accuracy of hair testing, significantly enhancing their drug enforcement policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in New Haven, MI, remains unmatched. Covering a span of up to 90 days, these tests offer employers an in-depth view of an individual's substance history. This broad analysis period allows for a comprehensive assessment, supporting an informed decision-making process when evaluating current or potential employees.
Hair follicle testing in New Haven, MI, boasts a tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing adulteration risks. This testing method ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, providing confidence and peace of mind to those who depend on consistent and credible drug testing data.
With convenient testing locations nationwide and in New Haven, MI, gaining access to testing services is hassle-free. Quick and straightforward procedures in extensive settings ensure that drug testing is not only efficient but also easily accessible whenever needed.
Ordering and undertaking hair follicle tests in New Haven, MI, is simple and discreet. The process addresses privacy concerns with ease, offering a smooth and confidential framework for obtaining and reviewing test results, supporting user confidence and data security.
In New Haven, MI, our pricing structures are competitive, backed by fast turnarounds. This combination provides exceptional value, catering to companies of varied sizes by offering affordable options alongside speed, creating harmony between cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
In New Haven, MI, hair follicle drug tests provide quick and precise outcomes. Their high degree of accuracy makes them an excellent choice for identifying substance use. Results showcase their capability to accurately detect drug traces even after extended periods, surpassing traditional methods and offering speed coupled with precision for better assurance.
In New Haven, MI, utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, easing compliance burdens and legal risks for employers. This practice enhances workplace safety and employee trust, delivering peace of mind through robust adherence to company standards.
