Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands, hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage. When gathered near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal up to roughly three months of alcohol and drug history. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
An optimal 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 hair strands (analogous to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, perfect for testing and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Absent scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be obtained. Head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses other types like facial or axillary.
Process Overview
The key procedures in processing a drug test outcome in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a specimen is initially processed into the lab system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any remaining data input not handled by an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most specimens, yet a positive finding in Screening must be substantiated for court validity. Presumptive positives necessitate secondary verification.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample to be prepared for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are sourced from hair at concentrations markedly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the challenge of hair drug analysis.
Verification of positive screening results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before verification as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Union City, MI
Comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests highlights superior accuracy and dependability. Hair testing reveals drug use over an extended period, offering a more accurate understanding. This process minimizes errors and ensures precise detection that is challenging to contest.
Extended Detection Window in Union City, MI
Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to identify substance consumption for up to 90 days. This prolonged detection window allows employers to gain comprehensive insights into an individual's substance habits, providing a more in-depth review than other methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Union City, MI
One of the key advantages of hair follicle tests is their resilience against tampering. This method drastically minimizes risks of sample adulteration, ensuring that outcomes remain credible and uncontested, offering confidence in test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Union City, MI
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including local options in Union City, MI, assures hassle-free access to testing services. This broad reach ensures all individuals can readily participate in necessary assessments.
Simple, Confidential Process in Union City, MI
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and private. This transparency relieves privacy worries and guarantees a seamless experience from start to finish, emphasizing user confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Union City, MI
Our competitive pricing structure, coupled with speedy turnaround times, delivers excellent value to businesses of every size. These cost-effective measures ensure prompt results and financial peace, aligning with diverse organizational needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Union City, MI
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests boast high accuracy, quickly identifying substance use with minimal effort. This efficiency ensures that employers and authorities receive dependable results when assessing an individual's history of substance use, aiding in timely decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Union City, MI
Adopting hair follicle testing enables employers to maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies effectively. This compliance lowers legal liabilities and fosters a safe, secure working environment, reinforcing business trustworthiness.