Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests such as EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. The term "head hair" refers specifically to the scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other hair types (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing involved in drug testing consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial integration into a laboratory’s framework. This process includes checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening carries out an initial rapid examination for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be corroborated for legal acceptability. Any samples identified as presumptive positives during Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this stage, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is considerably lower than those extracted using other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed to be presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation in compliance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual test analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle situated under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hickory, MS
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly in Hickory, MS. Unlike urine testing, hair analysis can detect long-term substance use, giving a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug habits. This ensures accurate results, reducing the chances of false negatives often associated with urine tests.
For employers and organizations seeking reliability, hair tests demonstrate superior detection accuracy. This method is preferred by those who need unwavering assurance of authenticity and detailed histories, providing a broader detection window compared to urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Hickory, MS
Hair follicle testing's major advantage lies in its extensive detection window, reaching up to 90 days. For businesses and organizations in Hickory, MS, this means gaining access to an individual's prolonged substance history. This capability offers invaluable insights, ensuring a complete understanding of an applicant or employee's drug use patterns.
Employers benefit from this extended window, which is appreciably longer than urine test detection periods. This comprehensive view assists in making more informed decisions regarding hiring, retention, and compliance with workplace policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hickory, MS
One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. In Hickory, MS, this method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing reliable and conclusive results. This assurance is critical for employers and organizations seeking trustworthy testing methods.
The observed collection process in hair testing limits interference, thwarting attempts to bypass the results. As such, hair analysis stands out as a robust mechanism against sample manipulation, offering unrivaled reliability and accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hickory, MS
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with its comprehensive network of testing centers, available locally in Hickory, MS and across the nation. This accessibility provides clients with easy, hassle-free access to testing services whenever and wherever needed.
With locations nationwide, scheduling and undergoing hair follicle tests become seamless. Our widespread presence ensures that taking a test is straightforward, saving valuable time and effort for individuals and organizations alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hickory, MS
The process of hair follicle testing in Hickory, MS is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns about confidentiality.
Individuals can trust the simplicity and security of this process, ensuring that their information remains protected. This user-friendly approach encourages more people to undergo testing without worrying about breaches in privacy or cumbersome procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hickory, MS
In Hickory, MS, hair follicle testing provides organizations with affordable pricing options and quick turnaround times. This ensures excellent value, with high-quality results delivered rapidly, aiding timely decision-making without financial strain.
The combination of competitive pricing and swift results makes this method appealing to businesses of all sizes. It enables firms to uphold their drug-free policies efficiently while remaining cost-effective, fostering confidence and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hickory, MS
When it comes to precision and promptness in drug testing, hair follicle tests stand out. In Hickory, MS, these tests are trusted for their high accuracy in substance use detection. Results obtained leave little room for error and are available swiftly, ensuring timely decision-making for employers and individuals.
Hair follicle testing integrates cutting-edge techniques to provide definitive results, often considered superior to other methods. This efficiency ensures reliability, making it a preferred choice for those needing quick and accurate substance use assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hickory, MS
Employers in Hickory, MS can enjoy enhanced compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports workplace drug-free policy enforcement, minimizing legal issues and promoting safety. By adopting hair testing, organizations reduce risks and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
Utilizing hair analysis not only demonstrates due diligence but also fosters a safer work environment. The precise and defensible nature of this method reinforces the commitment to maintaining drug-free workplaces, benefitting both employers and employees.
