Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a detailed history of alcohol and various drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can show a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, the potential for tampering is minimal, and it is convenient to send.
An ideal sample for testing and confirmation comprises a 1.5-inch section from about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, resulting in 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional screenings, and tests beyond 10 panels, it is best to have 150mg of the sample. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In situations where scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial quick analysis for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most samples, confirmation is necessary for any positive screen for it to be court-admissible. Any samples that test positively in Screening require subsequent confirmation testing.
For samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted and readied for Extraction. Within this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much lower concentration than in alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to perform.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed to confirm any positive screen results. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed if necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Longview, MS, offers significant advantages over traditional urine testing. One of the primary benefits is the superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can identify drug usage over a much more extended period. This allows employers and institutions to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, making hair tests the preferred choice for comprehensive drug screening.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window in Longview, MS, as it can trace drug usage up to 90 days prior. This broad timeframe offers employers a clearer and more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use habits over the past months, making it especially valuable for vetting applicants and monitoring current employees' adherence to drug-free policies.
In Longview, MS, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing is a significant advantage. These tests drastically reduce the risk of sample manipulation, ensuring that results are reliable and beyond dispute. Hair samples cannot be easily altered or substituted, providing peace of mind to employers and organizations relying on these tests for critical decisions.
With convenient nationwide testing locations and dedicated sites in Longview, MS, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been easier. Our network of testing centers provides quick, seamless, and hassle-free services, ensuring that individuals and employers can obtain the necessary tests without delays or inconvenience, no matter where they are located.
The process for hair follicle testing in Longview, MS, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is simple, ensuring that concerns surrounding privacy and ease of use are addressed. Individuals can rest assured that their personal information is protected throughout the entire testing process.
In Longview, MS, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing offer excellent value. Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of affordable testing options, receiving results rapidly without sacrificing quality. This ensures cost-effective solutions that meet the needs and expectations of organizations seeking reliable substance use testing.
In Longview, MS, hair follicle drug tests are known for their exceptional precision and speed. These tests offer a high level of accuracy, making them an ideal choice for detecting substance use. Rapid results allow individuals and organizations to make informed decisions quickly, ensuring that substance use issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.
Employers in Longview, MS, benefit from using hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety by effectively identifying substance use. Employers can trust that their workplace environment remains safe and secure, offering peace of mind for both management and employees.
