Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as an effective method, hair testing allows the identification of drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by retaining biomarkers in its strands as they grow. If taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, alteration is challenging, and transportation is efficient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for testing. For EtG, additional tests, or when exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn’t available, body hair can be collected in equivalent quantity. Note that when we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Four primary steps guide laboratory drug test processing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes initial sample processing into the lab system, ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a preliminary quick check for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, extra hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting hair testing's complexity.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, receives oversight under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine tests is evident in D'Lo, MS. This method is less prone to tampering, providing higher reliability and detection accuracy. Employers looking for effective screenings can trust hair tests to offer a comprehensive picture of drug use activity, surpassing the limitations of urine testing.
Employers in D'Lo, MS, benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. This method can reveal drug use spanning up to 90 days, giving a detailed look into an individual’s substance use history. Such information can significantly influence hiring and monitoring decisions, ensuring employees maintain a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle tests in D'Lo, MS, are tamper-resistant, providing trustworthy results. These tests substantially decrease the risk of sample contamination or adulteration. Employers and authorities rely on them for assurance that the data reflects true substance use, free from potential manipulation.
Convenience is key with our testing centers in D'Lo, MS, and across the nation. Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to testing services, making the process smooth and hassle-free. Our extensive network guarantees that clients receive timely and efficient testing.
Conducting hair follicle tests in D'Lo, MS, involves a straightforward, confidential process. From ordering to obtaining results, privacy and ease are prioritized. Clients can trust that their sensitive information is securely handled, enhancing their sense of comfort.
In D'Lo, MS, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. These features provide exceptional value, ensuring businesses of all sizes can access high-quality testing services without financial strain. Speedy results enable timely decision-making.
Hair follicle drug testing delivers swift and reliable results in D'Lo, MS. Precision and speed are the hallmarks of this testing method. It excels in detecting substance use due to its highly accurate detection abilities. Employers benefit from this efficiency, greatly reducing the time spent waiting for crucial results.
For businesses in D'Lo, MS, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Such testing enhances workplace safety and reduces legal risks. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are fostering a secure, law-abiding work environment.
