Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means of identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair captures a long-term history of alcohol and other substances by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximately 3-month detection duration for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. To test for EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Utilize a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equal quantity of body hair may be taken. By head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal actions in laboratory processing for a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial sample processing in a laboratory's system. This step validates that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court validity. All samples presumed positive during Screening require confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is acquired from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is completed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples marked presumptive positive are washed if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle testing with conventional urine tests in Baxterville, MS reveals superior detection and reliability. Hair tests excel by identifying drug use over a much longer period, offering a comprehensive analysis. This method's resilience against manipulation stands out, ensuring accuracy that urine tests may not consistently provide.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window in Baxterville, MS, examining drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged period grants employers a clear overview of an individual’s substance history, crucial for informed decision-making. The ability to capture past behaviors enhances the evaluation process in workplaces.
In Baxterville, MS, hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant qualities. These tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy, undeniable results. Unlike other testing methods, this process ensures sample integrity, providing peace of mind and confidence in the outcomes.
Accessing drug testing services is hassle-free in Baxterville, MS, thanks to our nationwide testing centers. With convenient local locations, individuals can avail rapid services without the trouble of extensive travel. The ease of access ensures timely appointment bookings.
The process of hair follicle testing in Baxterville, MS is simple and confidential. Scheduling, conducting, and receiving test results honor privacy and are straightforward. This user-friendly approach alleviates concerns, encouraging more people to opt for this testing method.
Offering affordable pricing and swift turnarounds, hair follicle testing in Baxterville, MS provides excellent value. Competitive pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effectiveness. This economic advantage coupled with prompt results benefits organizational operations.
In Baxterville, MS, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests boast a high precision level, quickly identifying substance use. Their effectiveness lies in their capacity to spot drug traces that traditional methods might miss. As a result, individuals and businesses can trust the results for important decisions.
Employers in Baxterville, MS, benefit from hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance and peace of mind. This method supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal issues and promoting a safer work environment. With reliable results, businesses can maintain high standards effectively.
