Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains evidence of alcohol and other drugs over time by capturing biomarkers within its fibers. When acquired near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month detection span for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, less susceptible to manipulation, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test result processing comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of entering a sample into a laboratory's system. This involves checking that the sample was securely sealed and properly shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While Screening offers a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legally acceptable. Samples that test positive in Screening will need further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair, with concentrations that are much lower than those in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test positive are washed prior to confirmation as warranted. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Benoit, MS. Hair follicle testing outperforms urine quick tests by offering a more extensive detection window, capturing a 90-day drug use history. This extended period provides a more comprehensive overview of an individual’s habits. In contrast, urine tests are limited to detecting recent use only, often failing to reveal prolonged consumption patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Benoit, MS. Hair follicle testing offers the significant advantage of a much longer detection window, identifying substance use over a period of up to 90 days. This enables employers to gain a full picture of an individual’s drug usage history, ensuring informed hiring and retention decisions. Compared to urine tests, this method provides crucial insights into ongoing substance use trends.
Employers in Benoit, MS, benefit from this thorough view. The comprehensive data allows not only for potential interventions or supports but also for safeguarding company's operational efficacy and safety. The detection window empowers employers to uphold their drug-free workplace standards diligently.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Benoit, MS. Hair follicle tests are robust against tampering, ensuring the integrity of testing results. Unlike urine samples, which can be easily manipulated through various means, hair samples present a more reliable testing method. This resistance to cheating guarantees that results remain unquestionable and authentic.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Benoit, MS. Finding a testing location has never been easier. With a wide network of nationwide centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures access is quick and hassle-free, serving individuals and employers promptly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Benoit, MS. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward. The entire process ensures maximum confidentiality, catering to privacy concerns for all participants. From start to finish, the process remains easy to follow and secure.
Participants can confidently engage in drug testing without fear of breaches in confidentiality. The user-friendly approach accommodates both privacy and accessibility needs. This simplicity extends welcome ease to individuals and employers seeking professional testing services in Benoit, MS.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Benoit, MS. Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing structures, coupled with rapid result delivery. Regardless of company size, clients receive excellent value without compromising on the accuracy or dependability of the test results.
With fast turnaround times, companies can attain the information they need efficiently, allowing them to make timely decisions. The affordable options extend to both individual needs and large-scale corporate requirements, offering a cost-effective solution in Benoit, MS.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Benoit, MS. Hair follicle testing offers unparalleled precision in determining substance use. Its high accuracy allows professionals to make informed decisions promptly. The quick turn-around time for results ensures that individuals and companies are not left waiting unnecessarily, providing peace of mind and certainty in drug testing outcomes.
The innovative nature of hair testing means faster detection of drugs, eliminating long waiting periods between testing and results. This helps maintain the efficiency of employment processes in Benoit, MS. The reliability of the results ensures trust and confidence in the workplace drug testing mechanisms.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Benoit, MS. Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with workplace drug policies. It mitigates legal risks while enhancing overall workplace safety. For companies that enforce drug-free policies, hair testing serves as an effective tool due to its high reliability and extensive detection window.
Employers enjoy easier policy enforcement, minimizing potential legal challenges associated with workplace drug use. By implementing hair follicle testing, companies can uphold standards and safety protocols, fostering a more secure work environment in Benoit, MS.
