Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a significant method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair captures long-term indicators of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use history for up to three months. Collection of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands, comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil, collected nearest to the scalp will yield approximately 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses above ten panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We propose weighing the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The process of laboratory drug test analysis consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating the sample into the lab’s workflow, ensuring it was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive Screening necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that are initially positive in Screening require additional validation.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair with a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any positive results from Screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, follows the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not on the scalp follicle itself.
Hair follicle testing has been preferred over urine tests in Lula, MS, due to its superior reliability. The accuracy and extensive detection window of hair tests outperform urine tests, meeting zero-tolerance policy requirements effectively.
In Lula, MS, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This broad timeframe offers employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s drug history, important for making informed decisions.
For individuals and businesses in Lula, MS, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant sample collection method. This reliability greatly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, guaranteeing trustworthy and undeniable results.
In Lula, MS, finding convenient hair testing sites is easy, thanks to our nationwide locations. We offer quick and uncomplicated access, ensuring your testing needs are met with ease and effectiveness.
Our hair testing procedure in Lula, MS is deliberately simple and confidential. We prioritize your privacy and make the process of ordering, testing, and receiving results as straightforward as possible.
With our competitive pricing in Lula, MS, hair follicle testing is both affordable and fast. We offer excellent value with quick turnaround times, catering to companies of every size effectively.
At our Lula, MS facility, hair follicle drug tests promise precision and speed. These tests accurately detect substance use, offering results quickly and with high reliability, ensuring the best screening for both employers and individuals.
Employers in Lula, MS can discover peace of mind and compliance by opting for hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risk and enhancing overall workplace safety.
