Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a valuable method to identify the consumption of drugs and alcohol. It offers a prolonged timeline of drug and alcohol consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substance usage for roughly a 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and hassle-free to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp offers 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For assessments involving EtG, additional analysis, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal amount of body hair may be substituted. When we say head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. Body hair includes all other body hairs (facial, axilla, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes processing the sample initially into the lab’s documentation system. This phase checks that the sample was adequately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary drug abuse check. While Screening efficiently eliminates drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to hold up in legal contexts. Samples showing positive signs in Screening must go through further Confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), complicating hair drug testing.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures confirm positive screening results. All potentially positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire testing process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair shaft, not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gholson, MS
When comparing hair and urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out for its longer detection window, capturing drug use patterns more accurately. While urine tests are good for recent use, hair testing offers a broader view, making it more effective for identifying long-term substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Gholson, MS
Hair follicle tests can uncover drug use for up to 90 days, providing a more extensive detection window than other methods. This longer timeframe offers employers either in hiring or current employee assessment a deeper insight into substance use, enhancing decision-making based on comprehensive data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gholson, MS
Hair follicle testing minimizes the chance of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, which are more susceptible to tampering, the way hair samples are collected and analyzed ensures the results are reliable, providing irrefutable evidence in any context.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gholson, MS
With testing facilities nationwide and local access in Gholson, MS, our service ensures easy and hassle-free testing processes for everyone. The broad network guarantees quick access to testing, reducing wait times and streamlining the testing procedure.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gholson, MS
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private, from ordering to receiving results. This clear-cut approach alleviates privacy concerns and simplifies participation, allowing individuals to engage in the testing process without worry.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gholson, MS
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery make hair follicle drug testing accessible to companies of any size. This affordability, combined with fast service, provides excellent value, ensuring businesses efficiently uphold their drug-free policies.
In Gholson, MS, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests rapidly detect substance use, providing detailed and precise outcomes compared to other methods. This accuracy ensures that decisions based on test results are well-informed, making hair follicle testing an efficient choice for individuals and organizations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gholson, MS
Utilizing hair follicle testing assists in aligning with drug-free workplace regulations, bringing peace of mind to employers. This testing strategy mitigates legal risks and fortifies workplace safety, securing both employer and employee interests.
