Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for assessing drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a comprehensive timeline of substance use. When hair is collected from the scalp area, it offers roughly a 3-month detection span for both alcohol and drugs. This method is straightforward in collection, challenging to tamper, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair might be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to hair from the scalp, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for processing a drug test result includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the initial steps of integrating a sample into a laboratory's system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing information from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, any positive result must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Samples that presumptively indicate a positive result during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging process to accomplish.
Any positive Screening result is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review based on the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Testing in Algoma, MS:
The hair follicle test's ability to capture drug usage over a more extended period is a significant advantage over traditional urine tests. Its accuracy and reliability in detecting substance use make it superior, especially for organizations needing thorough assessments.
The combination of higher detection accuracy and reduced manipulation vulnerability sets hair testing apart from urine testing. Hair samples provide a clear, comprehensive report, as opposed to limited detection from urine tests.
Greater Detection Window in Algoma, MS: Hair follicle testing stands out with its capability to identify substance use over a span of up to 90 days. This extended view into a person's drug history benefits employers by offering insights that standard tests cannot.
Employers value the hair test's ability to provide a historical snapshot of an individual's substance use, ensuring a comprehensive review rather than a limited-time snapshot as seen with other methods.
Secure Testing Method in Algoma, MS: Hair follicle testing is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature. The test's design significantly minimizes the possibility of sample sabotage, resulting in trustworthy outcomes.
By focusing on the use of hair samples, these tests make adulteration substantially more difficult. This ensures that results can be relied upon without the concern of sample manipulation, providing peace of mind to those who depend on test accuracy.
Convenient Testing Location Access in Algoma, MS: Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including Algoma, ensures ease of access to our services. This convenience reduces wait times and simplifies the testing process.
With local and nationwide coverage, scheduling a test becomes a seamless experience, whether for personal, legal, or employment purposes, removing the drawbacks of travel and extended waiting periods.
Simplified and Confidential Testing Process in Algoma, MS: Our streamlined hair follicle testing procedure prioritizes confidentiality and user-friendliness, ensuring ease from sample collection to results receipt.
With step-by-step guidance and secure handling, our process maintains privacy and discretion, addressing any concerns about data security or testing transparency, guaranteeing peace of mind.
Cost-Efficient and Rapid Turnaround Services in Algoma, MS: Our competitive pricing options, coupled with quick result delivery, provide exceptional value to businesses of all sizes seeking dependable testing solutions.
This affordability, alongside fast turnaround, assures that clients do not overspend while receiving timely and accurate results, effectively supporting their operational needs and decision-making.
Fast and Accurate Results in Algoma, MS: The hair follicle drug tests we offer excel in delivering quick and precise results. With cutting-edge technology, our testing method detects substance use with outstanding accuracy, ensuring that you receive reliable and timely feedback.
Employing advanced analysis techniques, hair follicle testing provides higher accuracy in detecting various substances. The test's speed and reliability make it an invaluable tool for those requiring information without delay.
Achieve Compliance and Employer Assurance in Algoma, MS: Utilizing hair follicle drug tests helps businesses adhere to drug-free policies and supports regulatory compliance, reducing legal exposure.
The implementation of these tests plays a pivotal role in improving workplace safety and employee assurance by addressing drug use proactively, ensuring a safer, more productive environment.
