Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive historical record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When hair is cut close to the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month history of alcohol and drug use. This method of sample collection is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp can produce 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing samples. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may suffice. Note that "head hair" specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four primary stages in laboratory drug testing procedures include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within the lab’s framework, involving checks for proper sealing and shipping, assigning a specific Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and entering any necessary data absent from electronic tracking.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. While economical for ruling out drugs in most samples, a positive screening requires further confirmation for legal validation. Samples testing positive during Screening need further verification.
If a sample indicates a positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted and set up for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods like urine or saliva tests, explaining the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive screening confirmations are processed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation, if required. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation protocols.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hickory Hills, MS, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests. Hair tests excel in detection accuracy and reliability, tracing drug use much further back than urine tests can. This superior detection period reveals deeper insights into an individual's substance history.
Employers and officials favor hair testing for its low margin of error compared to urine tests. Its resilience against manipulations further strengthens its standing as the more trustworthy method.
Hair follicle tests in Hickory Hills, MS offer an extended detection window up to 90 days, proving invaluable for showcasing comprehensive substance histories. While urine tests span only a few days, hair tests provide a full three-month retrospective view.
This extensive timeframe allows employers to make more informed decisions, understanding more about an applicant's past behavior, thus maintaining the highest standard of workplace safety.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Hickory Hills, MS minimizes risks associated with tampering. The tamper-resistant nature of hair tests ensures reliable results, avoiding adulteration common in other test types.
Hair testing's robust methodology provides peace of mind that results are genuine. As a deterrent to dishonest practices, this method ranks high for its consistency and trustworthiness among testing options.
With convenient testing centers spread nationwide, including Hickory Hills, MS, fast and hassle-free access to testing services is guaranteed. Local facilities ensure testing is straightforward and accessible for everyone.
Benefit from our network of centers offering efficient testing processes, underscoring our commitment to customer convenience and operational clarity across all our locations.
In Hickory Hills, MS, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Ordering tests, taking them, and receiving results is straightforward, respecting privacy concerns throughout the procedure.
Clients appreciate our focus on confidentiality and ease, ensuring a stress-free experience, alleviating anxieties about privacy while delivering accurate results with efficiency.
Competitive pricing and rapid response times characterize our hair testing services in Hickory Hills, MS. Affordable rates paired with fast turnaround give excellent value, important for businesses of all sizes.
Our service model prioritizes cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or speed, bearing in mind varied organizational needs and promoting trusted, budget-friendly solutions.
In Hickory Hills, MS, hair follicle tests offer a quick, accurate, and reliable means to detect substance use. With the capacity to expose drug use over a prolonged period, these tests ensure precision. Employers and agencies prefer them for their high accuracy and efficient turnaround time, providing peace of mind and swift actionability.
Beyond accuracy, hair testing offers rapid results without compromising thoroughness. When reliability is key, hair tests deliver detailed insights, supporting informed decision-making.
Employers in Hickory Hills, MS, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free policies. This reduces potential legal challenges and heightens workplace safety.
Implementing hair testing in the workplace supports a zero-tolerance policy, maintaining a secure and professional environment. It safeguards both organizational interests and employee well-being.
