Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended overview of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair’s growing fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can extend up to roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat tough to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not present, a similar amount of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for analyzing a lab drug test involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. It involves validating that the sample was properly sealed and mailed, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen needs verification for admissibility in court. Any samples preliminarily marked positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows a preliminary positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is withdrawn from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging method to undertake.
Any positive result from Screening is verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The end-to-end laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing in Salem, MI, hair follicle screenings offer numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. Their superior detection accuracy places them ahead, as they can discern drug use that spans weeks, providing more comprehensive data.
The reliability of hair testing makes it the method of choice for scenarios requiring stringent drug policies. The conclusive evidence that hair tests provide minimizes uncertainties, making it a compelling alternative to the urine test.
Hair follicle testing in Salem, MI, extends its advantages through its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This lengthy detection window grants employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history.
This prolonged observation period means that hair follicle tests can reveal drug use patterns that urine tests might miss, thus aiding employers in Salem, MI in making informed hiring decisions based on comprehensive substance histories.
The hair follicle test method significantly reduces the chance of sample tampering, ensuring reliability in Salem, MI. Compared to urine tests, where adulteration is a common concern, hair tests are secured from such vulnerabilities.
This robust process ensures that any attempt to manipulate results is extremely challenging, thereby safeguarding the integrity of drug testing outcomes for employers in Salem, MI, providing them peace of mind within their due diligence processes.
The ease of accessing hair follicle testing within Salem, MI is augmented by our nationwide testing center network. This extensive reach ensures convenient, prompt, and effortless access to necessary testing services.
Local availability of these facilities within Salem, MI supplements this convenience, guaranteeing that clients experience minimal hassle when partaking in or arranging for substance assessments.
In Salem, MI, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and maintains high confidentiality standards. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is streamlined for user convenience.
This simplicity extends to offering assurances of privacy, reassuring clients that their data remains confidential, whilst the process itself remains easy-to-navigate and user-friendly, addressing concerns about complexity or data security.
The hair follicle testing services in Salem, MI are not only competitively priced but also boast a fast turnaround. This combination ensures they provide incredible value for companies of varied sizes.
The affordability of these tests, coupled with quick result times, means businesses can optimize their resource allocation without compromising on the quality of substance testing, ensuring peace of mind.
In Salem, MI, hair follicle drug testing is synonymous with efficient and precise substance detection. This method offers high accuracy, quickly identifying any drugs in the system. The speed at which results are delivered ensures decisions can be made promptly, contributing to safer environments.
Hair follicle tests stand out due to their precision in identifying a wide range of substances. The results' reliability often surpasses that of urine tests, thus making it a preferred choice for many organizations seeking fast and dependable outcomes.
Employers in Salem, MI can enhance compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method significantly diminishes legal risks and contributes toward a safer working environment.
Implementing hair tests as part of standard screening processes reassures management of adherence to compliance norms, thereby ensuring organizational peace and harmony. This tool is paramount for upholding policy integrity and workplace safety.
