Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pilgrim, MI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It provides a long-term indicator of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. With samples taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeline of up to three months for alcohol or drugs. It is straightforward to collect, less susceptible to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is perfect for analysis and verification. For EtG enhancements or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If head hair can't be sourced, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to hair from the scalp while body hair includes all other types (such as facial and underarm hair).

Process Overview

The primary phases in processing a laboratory drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the phase where a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any supplementary data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening must have further confirmation.

For any sample testing positive in the Screening step, more hair is pulled from the initial specimen for Extraction. During this step, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations lower than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is among the toughest methodologies to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positive are cleaned as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in line with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug usage for up to 90 days, surpassing the short detection period of urine tests.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is particularly challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Historical data provision: It shows a pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• No detection of recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after roughly 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing usually costs more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", this testing actually analyzes the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pilgrim, MI

Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can reveal substance use over the past 90 days, ensuring no recent drug use goes unnoticed. This thorough approach gives employers confidence in maintaining a drug-free workplace with comprehensive results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Pilgrim, MI

The strength of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to detect substance use history for up to 90 days. This extensive detection window offers employers a detailed overview of an applicant or employee's drug use history, ensuring that any past drug use is accurately identified, providing significant assurance in hiring and monitoring processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pilgrim, MI

One of the key advantages of hair follicle tests is their resilience to tampering. Unlike other methods, hair samples are collected through an observed procedure, dramatically lowering the risk of manipulation and ensuring the reliability of results. This fortifies the integrity of testing, making results trustworthy and unquestionable.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pilgrim, MI

Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient access to drug testing services with locations nationwide. In Pilgrim, MI, our local centers enable easy, quick, and stress-free testing, ensuring that you receive the necessary services without any hassle, no matter where you are.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Pilgrim, MI

The process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, easing concerns over privacy and complexity. From ordering to receiving results, confidentiality is a priority, ensuring that individuals can navigate testing procedures comfortably and securely.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pilgrim, MI

Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing that supports companies of all sizes. The value is enhanced by quick turnaround times, ensuring that employers receive prompt results without sacrificing quality, offering a cost-effective method for reliable drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pilgrim, MI

Hair follicle drug tests deliver precision and speed unmatched by traditional methods. With high accuracy, these tests precisely identify substance usage, providing reliable insights into an individual's history. This technology ensures that results are not only quick but dependable, making it an invaluable tool for employers needing assured results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pilgrim, MI

Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to strict drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities, and promoting safety. This method not only assures compliance but also contributes to a safer work environment, offering employers peace of mind about substance use management and legal compliance.

Drug Testing Near Pilgrim, MI

Gulnare, KY

Myrtle, MO

Webb, WV

Williamson, WV

Sidney, KY

Chattaroy, WV

Inez, KY

Crum, WV

Lenore, WV

Eugene, MO

Martin, KY

Three Forks, KY

Warfield, KY

Kermit, WV