Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair strands capture biomarkers in the fibers, offering a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake. When hair samples are taken close to the scalp, they can provide a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, which includes about 200 hair strands (approximately as thick as a #2 pencil) from the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG analysis, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for determining a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While it provides a cost-effective means to negate drug usage for most samples, any positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing one of the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being colloquially termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint Clair, MI
Hair testing outshines urine testing with its superior detection ability and reliability. While traditional urine tests offer immediate detection, hair follicle tests cover a prolonged period, reflecting a more comprehensive substance history. This extended window ensures more accurate insights into long-term usage patterns, making it a preferred method for consistent monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Saint Clair, MI
Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window, often reaching up to 90 days. This allows employers to obtain a detailed understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history. By analyzing the hair, they can assess past drug use effectively, facilitating informed decision-making that reflects longer-term trends rather than just recent usage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saint Clair, MI
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the risk of sample tampering. Their robust tamper-resistant nature ensures the integrity of the sample from collection to analysis. This method offers reliable and authoritative results, reassuring employers and organizations of the authenticity and accuracy of the substance use data acquired.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saint Clair, MI
The availability of extensive testing centers across the nation provides unmatched convenience for those in need of drug testing services. This comprehensive network ensures quick access, reducing the logistical burdens and easing the path to secure and efficient testing. Local centers in Saint Clair offer streamlined access for nearby residents and businesses.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saint Clair, MI
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality at every step. From ordering to obtaining and analyzing results, confidentiality is prioritized, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Individuals undergoing the test can expect a hassle-free experience that respects their privacy while delivering clear, accurate outcomes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint Clair, MI
Our competitive pricing ensures that hair follicle testing is accessible to companies of various sizes. Coupled with fast turnaround times, the service provides great value without compromising on quality. This balance of cost-efficiency and promptness underpins an offer that meets the needs of the modern workforce.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint Clair, MI
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. Detecting substance use with high accuracy, these tests deliver results swiftly, making them a preferred choice for those who require quick and dependable outcomes. The method's capability to accurately determine substance use patterns significantly reduces the potential for errors, providing confidence in the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint Clair, MI
Implementing hair follicle testing assists employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace standards. This practice mitigates legal risks and fosters a safer working environment. Assured by the test's reliability, employers can confidently uphold policies that promote health and safety within their organizations.
