Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair acts as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When the sample is taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to approximately three months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, altering the sample is relatively challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG or more extensive testing above 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial quick evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During this process, drugs are separated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Falcon, MS, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests with superior detection capability. The hair method ensures a more reliable measurement of drug use than a urine test.
Hair testing maintains accuracy over longer periods compared to urine sampling. This attribute makes it ideal for employers seeking precision and dependability in drug screening methods. Its advantages are:
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Falcon, MS is its extended detection period, covering up to 90 days of potential drug use.
This longer detection window provides employers with an exhaustive look into an individual's substance history. It offers insights that help in making informed decisions about candidates and current employees.
Hair follicle testing in Falcon, MS significantly minimizes the risk of tampering with test samples. Its method of collection is inherently secure and less susceptible to adulteration than other tests.
The integrity of the test results remains uncompromised, providing reliable and unquestionable outcomes.
Hair testing’s resistance to manipulation includes:
Accredited Drug Testing facilitates hair tests with convenient nationwide centers, including locations in Falcon, MS.
Our extensive network ensures a seamless testing process, offering easy access to our services for clients everywhere.
Features encompass:
The process for undergoing a hair follicle test in Falcon, MS is straightforward and private.
Clients can order, take, and receive test results with assurance. Concerns about privacy and usability are particularly addressed.
Our simple process guarantees:
In Falcon, MS, competitive pricing structures for hair follicle drug testing deliver impressive value and swift results.
Businesses of all sizes benefit from affordable rates and quick turnarounds, making comprehensive substance testing accessible.
Advantages include:
Hair follicle drug testing in Falcon, MS offers an unmatched level of accuracy and precision. The method is highly efficient in detecting substance use, ensuring reliable results consistently.
Speedy analysis characterizes hair testing, delivering fast and accurate outcomes. This efficiency is vital for timely decisions in both employment and legal settings.
Benefits include:
Employers in Falcon, MS benefit greatly from hair follicle testing as it supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
It also reduces legal risks while improving workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they'll meet policy compliance effectively.
Key employer benefits include:
