Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within the growing hair fibers, allowing for a prolonged record of alcohol and substance usage. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate substance use over a period of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp usually produces 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is organized into the lab's system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. This step is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in many samples, but any positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that indicate a positive result during screening need further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the examination actually involves analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hermanville, MS, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. This non-invasive method can identify substance use over a longer period, providing a better picture of an individual's drug history. Additionally, its thorough testing process reduces the chances of evasion, making it a preferred choice among employers and legal entities.
Employers in Hermanville, MS benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which covers up to 90 days. This comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance history vastly exceeds the capabilities of traditional urine tests, providing a more detailed and reliable drug use analysis for maintaining workplace integrity.
In Hermanville, MS, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces sample manipulation risks. Its robust process ensures that the results are both reliable and indisputable, equipping employers with confidence in their testing procedures as they rely on trustworthy data for critical decision-making.
The convenience of numerous testing centers across Hermanville, MS, and beyond offers easy access to hair follicle testing services. These nationwide locations ensure quick and hassle-free testing, making the process seamless for all clients, and allowing for efficient scheduling and rapid handling of testing needs.
In Hermanville, MS, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, allaying privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. The straightforward procedure from ordering to receiving results ensures participants feel secure and respected throughout the testing journey, consolidating trust in our services.
Our services in Hermanville, MS are distinguished by affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. By offering competitive pricing structures, we deliver exceptional value without compromising on quality, making us an appealing choice for businesses of all sizes seeking rapid and reliable drug testing solutions.
In Hermanville, MS, hair follicle drug tests offer fast and accurate results, ensuring precision in identifying substance use. Unlike traditional methods, these tests are highly reliable, quickly providing conclusive data about an individual's drug history. This speed and precision make hair follicle testing an invaluable tool for employers seeking dependable substance detection.
For employers in Hermanville, MS, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks, enhances workplace safety, and provides peace of mind through accurate and dependable results, reinforcing a secure and compliant work environment.