Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected close to the scalp, hair can provide up to about a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece of around 200 strands of hair (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial preparation of a sample within a laboratory’s system. It involves verifying that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not catered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage from most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be acceptable in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Any positive screening result is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positive are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined 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: While typically termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation analyzes the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Lyon, MI
In South Lyon, MI, hair follicle testing offers unparalleled detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. The benefits include an extended detection timeframe, reliability, and reduced chances of tampering. Employers and legal entities find hair tests a better choice, ensuring comprehensive substance history checks over urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in South Lyon, MI
Hair follicle testing in South Lyon, MI, provides an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This offers employers a detailed overview of an applicant or employee's substance history, surpassing other methods in long-term accuracy and dependability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Lyon, MI
In South Lyon, MI, hair follicle tests are known for their resistance to sample tampering. This reliability provides unquestionable results, ensuring the integrity of each test. Such a method significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, offering a trusted option for drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Lyon, MI
Our widespread testing centers across the nation, including those in South Lyon, MI, offer unmatched convenience. This ensures easy access to testing services, making the process quick and hassle-free for all clients looking for drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Lyon, MI
In South Lyon, MI, ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. The entire process is designed with privacy in mind, ensuring ease of use for individuals who value discretion in drug testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Lyon, MI
With competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in South Lyon, MI, offers excellent value. These tests provide peace of mind for organizations of all sizes, ensuring superior service and affordability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Lyon, MI
In South Lyon, MI, hair follicle drug tests boast unparalleled precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests provide high accuracy, ensuring that employers and legal entities can trust the results. The process delivers fast and dependable outcomes, making them superior to conventional testing methods in terms of reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Lyon, MI
Employers in South Lyon, MI, utilize hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in mitigating legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, providing peace of mind and fostering a secure work environment.