Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal approximately a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug use. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum sample for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair sample. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent mass of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other forms of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug testing outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial inclusion of a sample into the laboratory system, which involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody approach.
Screening includes an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result needs verification for it to be valid in legal contexts. Samples identified as potentially positive in Screening require a secondary validation.
If a sample is likely positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any ostensibly positive samples are cleaned before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Norton Shores, MI, surpasses urine testing by offering heightened detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair samples reveal a 90-day substance use history, which helps in making informed judgments. This extended detection period provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use behavior over time.
Employers and professionals favor hair testing for its resistance to tampering, thus ensuring genuine results and compliance with drug-free policies.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Norton Shores, MI, allows for a detailed overview of an individual's drug history for up to 90 days. This aspect enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of either prospective or current employees' substance use.
Through this longer detection period, hair testing provides a more complete view, which is invaluable for maintaining workplace safety and making validated decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Norton Shores, MI, present a tamper-resistant solution due to their construction and method of sample collection. Their ability to withstand attempts of sample alteration or adulteration ensures that the results are trustworthy.
This resistance to tampering makes hair testing an ideal choice for employers desiring foolproof testing methods, ultimately fostering a secure and drug-free work environment.
Our nationwide testing centers, including locations in Norton Shores, MI, provide unmatched convenience for those seeking hair follicle testing services. The broad network ensures both quick access and seamless testing processes for all clients.
This easily accessible setup means individuals and employers alike can experience hassle-free testing without the worry of locating a testing facility.
The process for hair follicle testing in Norton Shores, MI, is both simple and confidential. Ordering, compliance, and result retrieval are streamlined to maintain privacy and ease.
This structured approach caters to privacy concerns while upholding a worry-free experience for all involved in testing.
Affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround times distinguishes our hair follicle testing services in Norton Shores, MI. As a cost-effective option, it caters to companies of various sizes seeking quality testing services.
By choosing an economical yet reliable testing method, businesses can ensure both compliance and safety in the workplace.
In Norton Shores, MI, hair follicle drug tests offer fast and accurate results with superior precision at detecting substance use. The quick turnaround time ensures timely reporting, allowing employers and individuals to make informed decisions based on reliable data.
These tests are designed for efficiency, providing unmatched accuracy and speed, which is crucial for those who need dependable results for drug testing requirements.
With hair follicle testing, employers in Norton Shores, MI, experience peace of mind and greater compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By utilizing these tests, employers reduce legal liabilities and foster a secure environment.
This reliable testing method aids in upholding compliant practices, ensuring employers can focus on productivity.