Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands provide a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fiber of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a period extending up to roughly three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, it's quite resistant to tampering, and shipping is convenient.
A sample that is 1.5 inches in length and consists of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a standard #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferable. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of sufficient scalp hair, a proportional amount of body hair may be acquired. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is composed of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within a laboratory’s system. This step involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data input that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.
Screening consists of a preliminary quick analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most cases, any positive screens necessitate validation to hold up in court. Samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
For any positive screening results, Confirmation is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation takes place as required. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Vernon, MI, hair follicle tests offer numerous advantages compared to traditional urine tests. They provide superior detection capabilities and are not susceptible to the same cheating tactics as urine tests. Hair tests deliver accurate and consistent results, making them a preferred choice for demonstrating drug use over an extended period.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Vernon, MI, allows for the detection of drug use over a significantly longer timeframe, typically up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers a detailed overview of an applicant or employee’s substance history, providing critical insights into their long-term substance habits, which is not possible with urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Vernon, MI, hair follicle tests dramatically reduce the chance of sample tampering. This method offers a reliable and unquestionable outcome, countering potential adulteration and ensuring the authenticity of the results. The difficulty of manipulating a hair sample makes it a more trusted testing choice for various organizations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our network of testing centers across the nation guarantees that individuals in Vernon, MI, and beyond can access testing services easily and without hassle. This nationwide presence provides the convenience of quick, accessible hair follicle testing, ensuring no delays when critical test results are needed.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Vernon, MI, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is hassle-free, maintaining privacy at every step. This user-friendly system reassures individuals concerned about their personal information’s confidentiality and the ease of the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our hair follicle testing services in Vernon, MI, are competitively priced to offer value along with quick turnaround times. This ensures that companies of different sizes receive excellent service without financial strain while maintaining a rapid return of test results, providing peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Vernon, MI, hair follicle drug tests stand out for delivering fast and precise results. They boast high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing employers with reliable data efficiently. The rapid analysis of hair samples ensures that employers and courts can make informed decisions quickly, without compromising on the accuracy of the detection process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle tests for drug screening in Vernon, MI, helps companies ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks associated with substance use and enhances overall workplace safety, giving employers peace of mind about maintaining a healthy and compliant work environment.
