Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Columbia, MS

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut close to the skin, hair provides a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair—the optimal sample size for assessment and confirmation. For tests involving EtG or those exceeding ten panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If head hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into the lab’s database. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive result must be confirmed for court acceptance. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening need further affirmation.

If Screening yields a presumptive positive result, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for the Extraction step. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than in other methods, such as urine or oral fluid, making hair testing particularly challenging.

Positive results in Screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspected positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection window.
• Hard to deceive: Hair drug tests are difficult to falsify, offering more accurate results.
• Chronicles usage history: It reveals drug usage patterns over time, not solely recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine tests in Columbia, MS? Simply put, it offers superior detection accuracy. Unlike traditional urine assessments, hair tests capture a broader drug use history, making them far more reliable for long-term detection.

Employers and legal entities prefer hair testing for its robust performance, significantly reducing the possibility of false negatives or evasion techniques that can easily affect urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is unparalleled. In Columbia, MS, employers benefit from the ability to review up to 90 days of an individual's substance use history, granting a comprehensive insight into their patterns.

This protracted timeframe is invaluable for employers seeking to evaluate a potential or current employee's long-term drug use, offering insights that shorter-term tests like urine would miss.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests are renowned for being tamper-resistant, a clear advantage in Columbia, MS. The collection process ensures that samples are less susceptible to adulteration compared to more traditional testing methods like urine tests.

This reliable testing approach leaves no room for doubt, providing consistent and truthful results that uphold the integrity of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is paramount, and with nationwide and local testing locations in Columbia, MS, Accredited Drug Testing makes access to testing services hassle-free. The network spans across the country, ensuring that no matter where you are, testing is readily accessible.

Our local presence in Columbia means fast service without long wait times, enhancing the testing experience with minimal disruption to your schedule.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our process in Columbia, MS, is simple and confidential, from ordering tests to receiving results. This discreet approach ensures privacy and ease, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and user-friendliness.

Individuals can be assured that their personal information is protected throughout the process, giving them comfort and security in the testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, Accredited Drug Testing provides exceptional value for companies in Columbia, MS. Our competitive rates ensure that businesses of all sizes can benefit from our services without excessive costs.

Quick result availability further amplifies value, allowing enterprises to make informed decisions swiftly and effectively, reinforcing confidence in our reliable services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Columbia, MS, hair follicle testing delivers fast and accurate results, ensuring high precision in drug use detection. This method's consistency in identifying substance use makes it an ideal choice for organizations prioritizing reliable outcomes.

The quick turnaround of hair testing in Columbia ensures that results are available promptly, allowing for timely decisions and actions required by employers or legal systems.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Using hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance and peace of mind for employers in Columbia, MS. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal issues and fortifying a safe working environment.

Employers benefit from the assurance that drug testing is comprehensive and adheres to requisite standards, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety protocols.

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