Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shelby, MI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates markers in the hair strand's fibers, offering a historical perspective on substance use. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it delivers up to a three-month testing range for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (analogous to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Overview of the Process

The fundamental phases in the lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial sample integration into a lab's system, ensuring the sample's seal and shipment are intact, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody setup.

Screening refers to the initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage in most cases, a positive result must be validated to stand in legal proceedings. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate subsequent verification.

When a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other processes (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

Verification of any positive screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug tests:

• Extended detection range: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a more restricted detection range.
• Hard to falsify: Hair drug tests are challenging to deceive, improving the precision of findings.
• Reveals historical usage: It offers a timeline of drug consumption over an extended period, beyond just recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Not effective for recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair in roughly 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is generally costlier than other methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the underlying follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shelby, MI

• Compared to conventional urine tests, hair testing stands out for its superior detection accuracy and reliability. This advantage makes it a preferred choice for many employers and legal bodies in enforcing drug-free policies.
• The precision of hair tests ensures a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history, offering a detailed view beyond recent usage.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Shelby, MI

• Hair follicle tests offer a significant benefit with their extended detection window of up to 90 days, providing a thorough overview of a person's substance use history.
• Employers value this extended timeframe as it offers a more comprehensive insight into an applicant's or employee's long-term behavior, assisting in informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shelby, MI

• Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the possibility of sample adulteration, delivering results that are difficult to dispute.
• The integrity of the testing method ensures a fraud-proof process, offering confidence in the results obtained from the samples.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shelby, MI

• With testing centers available nationwide, including those in Shelby, MI, accessibility is simple, rapid, and without hassle.
• Clients can enjoy the convenience of being close to testing services, ensuring a smooth and efficient process anywhere.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Shelby, MI

• The process for ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be straightforward and confidential, assuring users of their privacy.
• With user-friendly protocols, this testing method addresses concerns of privacy with utmost care, making it easily navigable for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shelby, MI

• Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing provides significant value and assurance to companies regardless of size.
• Cost efficiency, coupled with fast results, positions this method as a practical choice for businesses looking to optimize their drug testing strategies.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shelby, MI

• Hair follicle testing provides prompt and precise results, distinguishing it from traditional urine tests. Its efficiency in accurately identifying substance use is unparalleled, ensuring timely feedback for personal and professional needs.
• The methodology used ensures that test outcomes are not only rapid but also consistently reliable, offering peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shelby, MI

• Adopting hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free policies, reducing potential legal exposure and enhancing safety.
• This testing method reassures employers that they are maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, promoting trust and reliability within teams.

Drug Testing Near Shelby, MI

Vandalia, MI