Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term profile of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When harvested close to the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
An ideal sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale is advisable. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be utilized. The term head hair pertains strictly to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is integrated into the lab’s workflow. This process involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entries not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial fast assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to discount drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid legally. Samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Should a specimen be deemed presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Edinburg, MS offers superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. It captures drug use over an extended period, giving a more thorough overview of substance use.
While urine tests are effective for recent drug use, hair tests reveal a longer history, making them indispensable for strict drug-free policies.
In Edinburg, MS, hair testing offers an unparalleled extended detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This provides a wider lens on user habits, essential for making informed employment decisions.
One key advantage of hair follicle testing in Edinburg, MS is its tamper-resistant nature, minimizing sample adulteration risks. The process assures employers of authentic, uncontestable test results.
With convenient nationwide centers, accessing hair testing in Edinburg, MS is quick and hassle-free. Our widespread locations guarantee prompt and straightforward testing services for all.
The process of obtaining a hair follicle test in Edinburg, MS is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step respects privacy concerns and promotes ease of use, addressing any privacy considerations.
Confidential handling of results assures participants of their data's security.
In Edinburg, MS, hair follicle drug testing combines affordable pricing with quick result turnaround times. This competitive edge provides excellent value for businesses, accommodating various budget sizes while maintaining quality outcomes.
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Edinburg, MS make them the go-to choice for reliable substance use detection. Whether for workplace screenings or individual assessments, the precision offered ensures confidence in results.
The tests swiftly detect various substances, delivering results that help maintain safety regulations and compliance.
Complying with workplace drug-free policies becomes streamlined with hair follicle testing in Edinburg, MS. This method aids employers in maintaining a drug-free environment, effectively reducing legal liabilities and enhancing workforce safety.
