Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis stands as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When positioned near the scalp, hair can illustrate up to roughly a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample mass for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional substances, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount from body hair can be taken. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four pivotal stages involved in the lab handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial stage of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial, expeditious evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage on the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that return a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample come back as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening ranks among the most challenging methodologies.
Any positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Royal Oak, MI The superior detection ability of hair testing makes it more effective than traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer a more comprehensive detection window, typically up to 90 days, compared to the short-term window provided by urine tests. This enhanced reliability makes hair follicle testing a favored approach for comprehensive substance screening.
Extended Detection Window in Royal Oak, MI Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period for drug use, typically up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history, providing more substantial evidence of long-term usage. This broad detection window is invaluable for making informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Royal Oak, MI Hair follicle tests are inherently designed to minimize the risk of tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be altered or substituted, the collection and analysis of hair samples offer security that ensures reliable and undisputed results. This makes hair testing a trusted method for authentic drug screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Royal Oak, MI Our testing centers are conveniently available Nationwide, ensuring that access to fast and easy testing services is always within reach. The widespread network provides hassle-free accessibility for those in need of testing services, making the process efficient for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Royal Oak, MI The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and confidential. Clients can rest assured that every step of the testing procedure safeguards their privacy, addressing concerns of dignity and ensuring ease of use throughout the entire experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Royal Oak, MI Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes, paired with a fast turnaround time. This combination ensures peace of mind by delivering high-quality results swiftly, making hair follicle testing a cost-effective choice for comprehensive drug screening.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Royal Oak, MI Hair follicle drug tests provide a high level of precision and speed in identifying substance use. These tests are known for their remarkable accuracy, making them a preferred choice for obtaining fast and dependable results. The rapid turnaround time ensures timely decision-making for employers who require conclusive data on substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Royal Oak, MI Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. This testing method ensures companies can maintain compliance while protecting their workforce, ultimately fostering a safer and more secure work environment.
