Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended overview of substance use by incorporating biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When acquired near the scalp, hair can indicate substance exposure for up to an estimated three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hair strands, roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness, near the scalp yields 100mg—ideal for both initial screening and follow-up confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding ten, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised, best measured using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, equivalent body hair can be gathered. References to ‘head hair’ specifically denote scalp hair, whereas ‘body hair’ encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in lab processing of drug test results encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is integrated into the lab's system, involving checks on sealing and shipping integrity, LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) assignment, and additional data entry if absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While cost-effective for dismissing drug use in most samples, courts require confirmatory testing for positive screenings, necessitating secondary verification for presumptively positive samples.
Samples deemed potentially positive during Screening undergo further hair extraction for the Extraction process, isolating substances from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine, saliva), demonstrating hair analysis as a particularly challenging method.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any presumptively positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The end-to-end laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the procedure analyses the hair itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in St. Ignace, MI
Comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests highlights the former's precision and reliability. Hair assessments not only offer a broader window of detection but also limit opportunities for tampering, adding significant advantages in contexts where accurate substance monitoring is essential.
Extended Detection Window in St. Ignace, MI
Hair follicle testing allows for a longer capture window, providing insights into a person’s substance use history up to 90 days prior. This offers employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's past, which is essential when assessing reliability and safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in St. Ignace, MI
The hair follicle testing approach significantly reduces the risks of tampering, offering reliable results that stand up to scrutiny. This method ensures that the sample is untouched, maintaining integrity and providing peace of mind about the findings' authenticity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in St. Ignace, MI
Our extensive network of testing facilities ensures ease and speed for those needing testing services. With national coverage, including local options in St. Ignace, accessing the necessary testing has never been simpler or more stress-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in St. Ignace, MI
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Designed to address privacy concerns, it ensures ease of use from start to finish, making it a hassle-free experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in St. Ignace, MI
Competitive pricing and quick result delivery define our hair follicle testing services. These cost-effective solutions cater to businesses of various sizes, promising both value for money and swift processing times.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in St. Ignace, MI
Hair follicle drug tests deliver results with remarkable speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. The testing method is meticulously designed to yield precise data, making it a trustworthy option for both employers and individuals seeking clarity on a subject's drug history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in St. Ignace, MI
Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers by aligning with drug-free workplace policies, thereby mitigating legal challenges and boosting workplace security. This testing method strengthens compliance, reducing the risk of workplace incidents.
