Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers as the hair grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising roughly 200 strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair might be gathered. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in the lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and transit, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick evaluation for substances of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective strategy to negate drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal admittance. Any samples marked as presumptively positive in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are pulled from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed before confirmation as appropriate. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp
In Marietta, MS, the benefits of hair follicle testing surpass the traditional urine test in numerous ways. Hair testing is celebrated for its superior detection accuracy and reliability, capable of identifying drugs over extended periods.
Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a much wider detection timeframe, rendering them invaluable for organizations with stringent drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in Marietta, MS, extends the detection window up to 90 days, allowing a comprehensive review of an individual's drug use history. This extended reach provides employers with more insight into an applicant or employee's habits.
Employers benefit from this longer detection period, making it perfect for gaining a broader understanding of one's substance history.
In Marietta, MS, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests offers an unparalleled level of sample integrity. Reduced risk of adulteration ensures reliable results every time.
Hair follicle testing dramatically lowers the chance of manipulation, providing authoritative results that hold up under scrutiny.
Offering extensive convenience, our nationwide testing centers in Marietta, MS, are designed to provide effortless access to drug testing services. We ensure a quick, seamless experience with readily available local centers.
Our wide network of facilities reflects our commitment to accessibility and convenience, making testing hassle-free for all our clients.
The simple and confidential process in Marietta, MS, is designed to address privacy concerns while ensuring ease of ordering, taking, and receiving test results.
We prioritize your confidentiality, making sure the procedure is straightforward and stress-free, from the initial stages through to the receipt of your results.
Accredited Drug Testing in Marietta, MS, offers affordable pricing with our quick turnaround times. This competitive pricing provides excellent value to companies seeking dependable testing solutions.
Our fast service and reasonable costs make our testing services accessible to businesses of all sizes, reinforcing confidence in our high-quality provisions.
In Marietta, MS, hair follicle drug tests are known for their remarkable speed and precision. High accuracy is the hallmark of these tests, capable of effectively identifying substance use.
Employing state-of-the-art technology, hair follicle testing provides quick and reliable outcomes. This efficiency ensures that you receive dependable data promptly, making it an excellent choice for professionals and employers alike.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Marietta, MS, helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are fostering a safer, drug-free environment by incorporating hair follicle testing into their policies.