Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a valuable method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a prolonged record of these substances by encasing biomarkers within its fibers during growth. When the strand is taken adjacent to the scalp, it can show substance use for up to around a three-month span. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal sample comprises 1.5 inches of roughly 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp, totaling 100mg for proper screening and validation. For EtG, extended panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale for weight accuracy is advised. In cases where scalp hair is missing, an equivalent mass of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" references only the hair on the scalp. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system, ensuring it is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and fulfilling any outstanding data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While this stage is a cost-savvy method to identify non-usage in most samples, positive results must be affirmed for legal acceptance. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening demand additional confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positives during Screening, extra hair is sourced from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted at a far lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex methodology.
Confirmation for any positive results involves techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation when necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the test really evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
In Stanwood, MI, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine testing. Hair testing outperforms urine tests by providing more accurate and reliable results. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing can reveal drug use over an extended period, giving a clearer picture of the individual's substance use history. This superior accuracy makes it a preferred choice for employers and legal processes.
Hair follicle testing in Stanwood, MI, significantly extends the detection window for drug use, providing insights up to 90 days prior. This prolonged period is invaluable for employers who need a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's past substance use. Offering a wider overview than urine tests, it helps maintain a drug-free workplace and supports thorough assessment practices.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Stanwood, MI, is its high resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be manipulated more easily, hair tests provide results that are hard to dispute. The reliability of this method ensures that the test outcomes are accurate and unquestionable, boosting confidence in maintaining drug-free environments.
Convenient testing is available in Stanwood, MI, thanks to our extensive network of nationwide centers. Local residents can access hassle-free hair follicle testing services close to home, ensuring quick, simple, and stress-free processes. Our broad reach means that no matter where you're located, quality testing services are within easy reach.
The process for hair follicle testing in Stanwood, MI, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step respects the privacy of individuals undergoing testing. Addressing concerns of confidentiality, we ensure the experience is smooth and straightforward, offering peace of mind to all parties involved in the testing process.
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Stanwood, MI, is both affordable and efficient. Our quick turnaround times ensure that results are provided without delay, adding value for companies of all sizes. Choosing hair testing means investing in a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on quality or reliability.
Stanwood, MI, benefits from the fast and accurate results provided by hair follicle testing. This method offers high precision in detecting substance use, delivering reliable outcomes quickly. Hair tests are less susceptible to tampering and provide a foolproof way to ensure substance use is accurately monitored. For those seeking efficiency coupled with reliability, hair testing stands out as the best option.
In Stanwood, MI, embracing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, providing peace of mind for employers. This method not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances safety by effectively deterring substance abuse. Hair testing aligns with company regulations, supporting a safer and more compliant workplace environment.
