Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Assessing drug and alcohol use through hair testing is now recognized as an effective approach. A strand of hair, carrying biomarkers within its fibers, offers a long-term record of substance use as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can present a detection timeline of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. It's easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and simple to send off for results.
A sample of about 1.5 inches containing approximately 200 strands of hair (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equates to 100mg, deemed an ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is best. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing. In cases where scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable weight of body hair can be utilized. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair refers to any other type (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's database. This involves ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment were intact, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic custody protocol.
In Screening, a primary rapid drug analysis is conducted. Though cost-efficient for largely determining drug presence in many samples, a positive Screening result requires confirmation to hold in legal contexts. Every sample that is potentially positive in Screening mandates further confirmation.
Should a sample emerge as potentially positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample undergoes Extraction preparation. This phase removes drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluids), affirming hair screening as one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any Screening-positive result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Before confirmation, all potentially positive samples undergo washing as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, along with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the evaluation centers on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Reading, MI, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine testing by providing a more thorough detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing minimizes cheating opportunities, acclaimed for its accuracy and reliability by employers and legal entities.
Reading, MI employers gain a clearer substance history view with hair follicle testing's extended detection window. Spanning up to 90 days, this method enables evaluation of past drug use, assisting in making informed personnel decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Reading, MI significantly reduces tampering risks, generating results that withstand scrutiny. Its inherent resistance to common adulteration tactics provides an indisputable assessment of an individual's history with drugs.
We facilitate simple testing access via our nationwide and Reading, MI locations. Our extensive network ensures fast, efficient, and straightforward service, supporting businesses wherever they operate without inconvenience.
In Reading, MI, experience a straightforward and confidential hair follicle testing process. Ordering, submitting samples, and receiving results is designed for ease and privacy, addressing client concerns seamlessly.
Our Reading, MI testing services come with competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, providing substantial value. This affordability ensures all businesses can maintain drug-free policies without financial strain.
In Reading, MI, hair follicle drug tests boast speed and accuracy, ensuring reliable detection of substance use. Their precision outperforms traditional methods, supporting quick decision-making for employers seeking trustworthy results without delay.
Employers in Reading, MI find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, staying compliant with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal challenges and bolsters safety, ensuring a secure and efficient workplace environment.
