Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy history of alcohol and drug usage by incorporating biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. By gathering samples near the scalp, hair analysis can offer an approximate detection period of three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of around 1.5 inches in length, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) obtained near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, extra analyses, or for tests exceeding a 10-panel, 150mg of hair is suggested. It’s advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If head hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other kinds of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug tests includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s infrastructure. This process checks that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial swift examination for substances of abuse. While being a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires affirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening need further confirmation.
For any sample showing presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a highly challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleaned before proceeding to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Saint James, MI embraces hair follicle testing due to its superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine testing. This method offers extensive benefits, showcasing why it is favored over urine counterparts.Longer Detection Period
With the capability to detect drug use up to 90 days,
hair testing provides a more comprehensive view compared to urine tests that have a shorter detection timeframe.
In Saint James, MI, hair follicle tests stand out thanks to their remarkable ability to reveal drug use over extended periods (up to 90 days). This feature enables employers to gain a more meaningful insight into an individual's substance history.Comprehensive Detection
Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests afford a more extended window of substance detection, assisting in more strategic employment decisions.
Saint James, MI prioritizes hair follicle testing due to its resistance to tampering, ensuring accurate and dependable outcomes.Reduced Adulteration
The inherent nature of hair testing significantly minimizes the possibility of sample manipulation,
providing reassurance for stakeholders relying on test results.
Operating in Saint James, MI, our extensive network of nationwide and local testing centers assures accessible, hassle-free testing services.Convenient Access
With strategic locations, our centers provide unrivaled access, ensuring quick and straightforward service experiences.
Based in Saint James, MI, our hair follicle testing process is deliberate yet straightforward, prioritizing simplicity and confidentiality.User-Friendly Procedures
The testing protocol is intuitive, ensuring ease of understanding and execution for participants.
Effortless steps facilitate efficient test-taking.
Located in Saint James, MI, our hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, providing excellent value for companies of varying sizes.Cost-Effective Solutions
Our pricing structures are designed to be budget-friendly,
catering to individual and corporate needs without sacrificing reliability.
In Saint James, MI, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swiftness. Known for their high accuracy, these tests efficiently identify substance use, offering users reliable and speedy outcomes.High Accuracy
An essential feature is their ability to precisely detect various substances, which makes them preferred over other testing methods for individuals and organizations seeking dependable results.
Operating in Saint James, MI, hair follicle testing offers employers compliance with workplace drug-free policies while minimizing legal complexities.Policy Adherence
Employers harness these tests to comply fully with regulations and maintain a drug-free working environment.
Ensuring substantial adherence increases workplace safety and mitigates legal risk.
