Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The examination of hair has established itself as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the strands of new growth. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month detection horizon for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample sized at 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp produces 100mg, an optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG additions and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for specimen weighing is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, the equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair is intended to signify scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential operations in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a specimen within the laboratory system. This step involves verifying that the specimen is sealed and properly sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves conducting an initial rapid analysis for substances of abuse. Screening is an economical approach to excluding drug use in most samples; however, a positive screening result requires verification for legal admissibility. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
If a specimen is found presumptively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, the extraction process isolates drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug examinations.
Verification of any positive screen status is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before verification, if necessary. The entire lab protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and is aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle housed beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Paw Paw, MI
When evaluating hair testing against urine testing, hair tests display superior detection capabilities. This method provides comprehensive coverage, surpassing urine's limited timeframe. Its accuracy in identifying drug use makes it highly reliable, ensuring dependable results. Thus, hair testing is often preferred over the traditional urine approach for more detailed assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Paw Paw, MI
The hair follicle test offers an extended detection timeline for drug use, often up to 90 days. This feature grants employers a thorough perspective on the substance use history of applicants or employees. By utilizing hair testing, stakeholders gain a more complete understanding of an individual's long-term drug use, enhancing decision-making processes in employment contexts.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Paw Paw, MI
Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the potential for tampering, ensuring the integrity of the results. This method provides a robust defense against sample adulteration, delivering reliable and unquestionable outcomes. Its resistance to manipulation is an attractive attribute for those seeking accurate data on substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Paw Paw, MI
With testing centers located nationwide and in Paw Paw, the accessibility of hair testing services is unparalleled. This convenience ensures a prompt and straightforward process, making it easier for individuals and employers to access reliable testing facilities without the hassle traditionally associated with securing such services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Paw Paw, MI
The streamlined and private process for hair follicle testing ensures ease from scheduling to results. With a simple ordering approach and discreet handling, individuals maintain privacy throughout. Whether participating in the testing or receiving results, the confidentiality and simplicity of the process are prioritized, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Paw Paw, MI
Our competitive pricing and quick result times provide excellent value for companies, regardless of size. The affordability of hair follicle testing makes it a very attractive option, offering businesses peace of mind without financial strain. Coupled with swift turnaround, the testing service proves both cost-effective and highly efficient.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Paw Paw, MI
The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, offering both speed and accuracy in substance detection. By analyzing hair samples, these tests deliver highly reliable results, making them an ideal choice for those who require dependable outcomes swiftly. Not only are they effective, but they are also designed to yield accurate insights into substance use history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Paw Paw, MI
Employers find reassurance in using hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The method reduces legal exposure and fosters a safer work environment. Confidence in the screening process enhances operational security and integrity, providing peace of mind to employers committed to safety and compliance.
