Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substance use by holding biomarkers within the fiber of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers nearly a 90-day detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward for transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For add-ons like EtG, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest weighing samples using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be collected, equivalent body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair types like facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The procedure for analyzing a drug test result in a lab consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the procedure begins by processing the sample into the lab’s system which involves checking that it was securely sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adding any missing data to the electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for identifying drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive outcome must be validated to be court-admissible. Presumptive positive samples in Screening will undergo secondary verification.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage, where drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods.
Confirmation for any initial positive result from Screening employs methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation if necessary. The lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, ensures compliance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Presque Isle, MI, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests due to its superior detection abilities. Hair tests reveal drug use over a longer period, showcasing their reliability even when urine tests might fail.
Using hair follicle tests in Presque Isle, MI, offers an extended detection window, observing drug usage up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history.
In Presque Isle, MI, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant solution. Their design minimizes the risk of adulteration, guaranteeing reliable results.
Our extensive network in Presque Isle, MI, ensures convenience with numerous testing locations nationwide. Quick and easy testing access makes it hassle-free for individuals and companies alike.
In Presque Isle, MI, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns seamlessly. The ease of use from ordering to results receipt is remarkable.
With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times in Presque Isle, MI, hair follicle tests offer excellent value. They fulfill the needs of businesses of varying sizes, ensuring peace of mind.
In Presque Isle, MI, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, precise, and dependable results. Their high accuracy in identifying substances is unmatched, providing a clear view of an individual's drug use history.
For employers in Presque Isle, MI, hair follicle tests offer compliance and peace of mind, ensuring adherence to a drug-free workplace policy. This method minimizes legal risks and promotes workplace safety.