Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a corresponding amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis in a drug test consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an efficient method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be accepted in legal proceedings. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a wash before verification as needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing
In Thompsonville, MI, hair testing showcases its superiority compared to traditional urine tests. Hair tests exhibit enhanced detection accuracy and rely on an extended identification period. This method surpasses urine testing by offering a broader scope for detecting prior drug use, delivering dependable and consistent outcomes for employers and authorities.
Extended Detection Window in Thompsonville, MI
The capability of hair follicle testing to track substance use over approximately 90 days offers profound insights into an individual's drug history. Employers can use this widened detection period to gain a holistic view of an individual’s substance use, facilitating informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Thompsonville, MI
Hair follicle tests are crafted to significantly lessen the risk of tampering. Unlike other testing processes, they provide foolproof results by making sample adulteration and falsification nearly impossible, which ensures that the results are trustworthy and undeniable.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide Including Thompsonville, MI
With a widespread network of testing centers, including local availability in Thompsonville, access to testing services is seamless and stress-free, wherever you are. This convenience ensures that testing is hassle-free, supporting timely and efficient procedures for all stakeholders.
Simple and Confidential Process in Thompsonville, MI
Our process guarantees simplicity and confidentiality from ordering to receiving results. Addressing privacy concerns, the streamlined procedure is designed to uphold user privacy while ensuring ease of use, thus providing a discreet and straightforward experience.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Thompsonville, MI
Competitive pricing structures, coupled with swift result delivery, offer exceptional value for companies of all sizes. Providing cost-effective solutions while assuring expedited service yields peace of mind and economic benefits to organizations.
Fast & Accurate Results in Thompsonville, MI
Hair follicle testing offers fast and precise substance detection, making it a preferred choice for accurate drug testing. With its high level of accuracy, hair testing provides instant and reliable insights into an individual's substance use, ensuring that employers and entities receive dependable results swiftly and effectively.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Adopting hair follicle testing allows Thompsonville employers to stay compliant with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal liabilities while fostering a secure work environment, offering peace of mind through rigorous and compliant drug testing procedures.
