Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective instrument for detecting substance use. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing an extended timeline of alcohol and other drug usage. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal usage up to roughly a 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and efficient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will amount to 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise determining the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be harvested. When mentioning head hair, it pertains specifically to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This entails confirming the sample’s seal and proper shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid check for illegal drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug consumption in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for admissibility in legal contexts. Samples showing initial positive results in Screening must undergo additional verification.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is pulled from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at a significantly reduced concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most complex to execute.
Verification of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with initial positive indications go through washing before verification as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the testing actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Otsego, MI
Hair follicle testing offers a substantial advantage over traditional urine tests in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a broader detection window, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of drug use. This method also minimizes the risk of tampering, ensuring the integrity of the results.
Extended Detection Window in Otsego, MI
Hair follicle testing uniquely provides a lengthy detection window, covering up to 90 days. This broad timeframe offers employers and professionals in Otsego, MI crucial insights into an individual's long-term substance use history, facilitating informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Otsego, MI
The hair follicle test significantly lowers the risk of sample tampering, providing results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This methodology ensures the integrity of the testing process in Otsego, MI, thereby delivering highly dependable outcomes for concerned parties.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Otsego, MI
Accredited Drug Testing ensures ease with nationwide and local testing centers in Otsego, MI. This widespread availability offers quick and hassle-free access to services, making drug testing a seamless experience for all individuals and organizations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Otsego, MI
Our testing process in Otsego, MI is straightforward and maintains confidentiality, from ordering to sample collection to receiving results. This ensures individuals' privacy concerns are addressed, making the entire procedure both easy to use and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Otsego, MI
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times on hair follicle tests in Otsego, MI, bringing excellent value to companies of all sizes. Our commitment to affordability and speed ensures peace of mind, making premium testing accessible and efficient for everyone.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Otsego, MI
Hair follicle drug tests in Otsego, MI, offer a perfect blend of speed and precision, boasting high accuracy in detecting substance use. This reliable testing method ensures swift and dependable results, making it a preferred choice for those needing quick and trustworthy insights into drug use behavior.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Otsego, MI
Hair follicle testing offers Otsego employers a solid assurance of compliance with drug-free policies. This method helps minimize legal risks and bolster workplace safety, providing companies peace of mind through reliable assessments of employee substance use.
