Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair drug and alcohol testing is now recognized as an effective approach for identifying substance use. Hair retains long-term data on alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in its growing strands. Close-to-scalp hair can reveal a detection span of around three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is easy, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch section with approximately 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp produces 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and panels beyond ten, 150mg of hair is advised. A jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, the same volume of body hair is an alternative. The term "head hair" is specific to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other hair forms (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
Drug testing lab procedures include four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab system. Key tasks include verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and filling in any missing data not covered by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening involves a preliminary check for common drugs. Although cost-effective and proficient for negating drug usage in most cases, a positive Screening necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require further validation.
A sample with a presumptive positive result in Screening proceeds with more hair from the initial batch for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair with much lesser concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive Screening confirmations are performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples may be washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Collins, MS
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Collins, MS, provides superior detection accuracy. While urine tests reveal recent drug use, hair tests detect long-term drug use, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. Hair testing significantly improves reliability, making it a preferred choice for employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Collins, MS
Hair follicle testing offers a detection window of up to 90 days, giving employers a thorough insight into a person's substance usage history. This extended window is crucial for understanding an applicant or employee's behavioral patterns and making informed decisions in Collins, MS.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Collins, MS
Hair follicle tests greatly decrease the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring dependable and unquestionable outcomes. This method stands out in Collins, MS, for its ability to provide trustworthy results, safeguarding against sample adulteration and enhancing the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Collins, MS
With testing facilities situated across the nation, including Collins, MS, accessing our drug testing services is both effortless and stress-free. These widespread locations facilitate prompt and easy access for individuals and businesses alike, ensuring testing is convenient and accessible nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Collins, MS
Our straightforward and confidential process for drug testing in Collins, MS, ensures privacy and ease from ordering to receiving results. With a focus on discretion, we address privacy concerns, allowing for simple drug testing procedures for everyone involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Collins, MS
Our pricing structures are competitive, and we offer fast turnaround times, providing excellent value in Collins, MS. These factors ensure that companies of all sizes receive reliable drug testing services quickly and affordably, offering peace of mind to employers statewide.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Collins, MS
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and rapid results. With these tests, you can quickly determine a person's substance use history, providing high accuracy in detection. Their reliability makes them a favored choice for both employers and legal authorities across Collins, MS.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Collins, MS
Implementing hair follicle testing helps Collins, MS, employers comply with workplace drug-free policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also enhances safety. By ensuring compliance, employers achieve peace of mind, knowing their workplace fosters a secure and drug-free environment.
