Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent mechanism for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended overview of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fiber of the developing hair. Collecting a sample near the scalp offers about a three-month window for detecting substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (resembling the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for measurement. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable mass of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' implies scalp hair only, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test processing in a lab is divided into four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first logged into the laboratory’s system. This phase ensures the sample is correctly sealed and mailed, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entries absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the initial test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves liberating drugs from hair at lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation for positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirming as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing far surpasses traditional urine testing in Lyman, MS. The extended detection window of hair tests and minimal chance of deception make them a superior choice for employers who value accuracy and reliability.
Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Lyman, MS can reveal substance use from up to 90 days prior, providing a full picture of an individual's drug history and assisting employers in making informed decisions.
With its tamper-resistant nature, hair follicle testing in Lyman, MS reduces the risk of sample tampering. This leads to more reliable results, giving employers confidence in the integrity of the testing process.
In Lyman, MS, convenient nationwide and local testing locations offer easy access to testing services. These centers ensure that clients receive hassle-free and rapid testing services across the region.
In Lyman, MS, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy concerns are addressed, ensuring that the experience remains simple and discreet.
Competitive pricing and rapid result times in Lyman, MS define our hair follicle testing services. Companies, regardless of size, benefit from the excellent value and assurance provided by fast and affordable testing solutions.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Lyman, MS is unmatched. These tests deliver fast and reliable results, accurately identifying substance usage. Their effectiveness ensures that individuals and employers in Lyman receive timely information on drug use.
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures workplace compliance with drug-free policies in Lyman, MS. This method mitigates legal risks and fosters a safer working environment, promoting peace of mind for employers.
