Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair imply only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential stages in laboratory processing of a drug testing result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial intake of a sample into a laboratory's system. This involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, however, a positive screen must be confirmed to serve as valid evidence in legal settings. Any samples that are presumpostively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen shows a presumptively positive result in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Preparation. During this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at a markedly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the challenge of hair drug screening methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stony Point, MI comes down to detection accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Stony Point, MI makes hair follicle testing indispensable.
With the ability to detect drug usage over a period of up to 90 days, employers gain valuable insights into an employee's or candidate's past substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stony Point, MI enhances reliability. Hair follicle tests are significantly protected against sample tampering, ensuring that the results obtained are both sound and unquestionable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stony Point, MI define our service ease.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stony Point, MI underscores our service model.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stony Point, MI emphasizes the value proposition.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stony Point, MI emphasize why hair follicle drug tests stand out. Known for their precision and speed, these tests are highly effective in detecting substance use. Fast turnaround times ensure swift results, giving individuals and employers peace of mind. Their accuracy is unparalleled, ensuring no substance goes unnoticed.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stony Point, MI is critical. Hair follicle testing supports workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks significantly.
