Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
Collecting a 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is an ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is processed into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an immediate assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, positive screenings must undergo confirmation to stand in court. Any samples that suggest positivity in Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid tests, making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab workflow, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Crawford, MS surpasses urine testing in numerous aspects. Detection Accuracy and Reliability are prime examples. While urine tests are limited in the detection time frame, hair tests offer an extended window, capturing months of potential drug use. This comprehensive record is pivotal for employers and authorities who enforce strict zero-tolerance policies.
In Crawford, MS, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, spanning up to 90 days, is a game-changer. Unlike short-term alternatives, this method delivers a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history, assisting employers in evaluating behavioral patterns. It ensures a clearer snapshot of any drug use during a considerable period.
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution in Crawford, MS, minimizing the possibility of sample alteration. Traditional tests, like urine, sometimes face challenges with adulteration, while hair tests secure legitimacy. This elevated reliability is invaluable for obtaining authentic and uncompromised results.
Convenience is at your fingertips in Crawford, MS, with our strategic nationwide testing centers. Accessible and efficient, these facilities make drug screening a streamlined process. Whether you're local or traveling, our locations promise a quick, hassle-free testing experience, accommodating your schedule seamlessly.
Engaging in hair follicle testing in Crawford, MS is a simple and confidential process. From ordering your test to receiving results, we emphasize privacy and ease. With user-friendly steps, any apprehensions about complication or data safety are put to rest, ensuring a smooth and discreet experience throughout.
Our services in Crawford, MS come with affordable pricing, guaranteeing fast turnarounds. We pride ourselves on competitive rates, ensuring companies of various sizes receive excellent value. This approach not only saves costs but also provides assurance and swift feedback, keeping your organizational operations uninterrupted and secure.
In Crawford, MS, hair follicle drug examinations are noted for speedy, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. They reliably detect substance usage, providing insights that traditional methods may miss. With state-of-the-art technology, results return promptly, empowering employers with the data required for informed decisions. Their unparalleled accuracy in detection makes them a preferred choice in drug testing.
Employers in Crawford, MS gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. Upholding drug-free workplace policies, it's a valuable tool for reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. This testing method aligns with stringent compliance requirements, proving to be an asset in maintaining a trustworthy work environment.
