Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strand's fiber captures biomarkers, offering a long-term record of substances used, including those close to the scalp, which can indicate alcohol and drug use over roughly a 3-month timeframe. Hair collection is non-complicated, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug tests encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial handling of a specimen as it enters the laboratory system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and performing additional data entry as needed beyond what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for abused drugs. While cost-effective in excluding drug use for most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be valid in legal settings, necessitating a secondary confirmation for any preliminarily positive results.
Upon a presumptive positive finding during Screening, additional samples are extracted from the original for the Extraction process. Here, the concentration of drugs in hair is determined, which presents a more challenging methodology compared to other means (such as urine or oral fluids), reinforcing hair analysis as a complex assessment method.
Positive cases from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques, with presumptive positive samples being cleansed before Confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are audited under both College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," these tests actually assess the hair strand itself and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests in Biggersville, MS. The primary benefit is its exceptional detection accuracy which makes it nearly impossible to falsify results. Employers and professionals can trust that hair testing will deliver comprehensive drug use histories, vital for maintaining safe environments.
In Biggersville, MS, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capturing drug usage data for up to 90 days. This timespan provides employers with an extensive view into an individual's substance use history, crucial for making informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Biggersville, MS, significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. The inherent nature of hair testing makes it extremely difficult to adulterate, ensuring that the results are both trustworthy and credible. This level of security allows organizations to confidently rely on the findings.
In Biggersville, MS, and nationwide, our testing centers are strategically located to offer convenience and ease. This network ensures that both individuals and organizations have quick and straightforward access to necessary testing services without undue hassle.
The hair testing process in Biggersville, MS, is designed to be straightforward and discreet. From start to finish, the ordering, testing, and results phase prioritize confidentiality and simplicity, relieving concerns over privacy while ensuring ease from initiation to conclusion.
Our pricing in Biggersville, MS remains competitive, offering fast turnaround without compromising quality. This ensures businesses of varying sizes receive excellent value and dependable results promptly, helping them maintain operational fluidity with minimal disruption.
The precision and rapid response of hair follicle drug tests in Biggersville, MS, stand out remarkably. These tests detect substance use with high accuracy, often providing results that reflect the true history over an extended period. Their ability to accurately pinpoint instances of drug use ensures both employers and individuals receive reliable information.
For employers in Biggersville, MS, employing hair follicle testing fosters compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The assurance of adhering to legalities and ensuring a safe working environment offers peace of mind, reducing potential liabilities and promoting safety.
