Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extended history of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers in the strands' fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use from approximately the past 90 days. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample weight for initial screening and verification. For tests such as EtG, additional screenings, or those exceeding ten panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is suggested to measure the hair sample with a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. When we talk about head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair entails any other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This involves validating the sample’s seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry if not already done through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as an initial assessment for drugs of misuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to disregard drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be validated to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples with presumptive positive results in screening require secondary confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positive results in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or saliva tests, which is why it is the most challenging drug testing method.
Confirmation for any positive screen results is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation when necessary. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over conventional urine tests in Mattson, MS. Its enhanced accuracy and reliability stand out for detecting drug use. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis offers a longer detection window, providing a broader view of an individual's substance history. This makes it an ideal choice for employers needing accurate substance use assessment.
Urine tests, though common, fall short due to their limited detection period. Hair tests deliver more detailed insights into drug use patterns, making them preferable. Their advanced detection capabilities ensure employers are better equipped for informed decision-making, backed by robust testing results.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing in Mattson, MS is its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days back. This feature gives employers a comprehensive picture of an employee's or applicant's substance history. The longer detection period allows for more thorough screenings than traditional methods.
Employers gain a competitive edge by utilizing this extended detection capability, providing them with more detailed information. This approach assists in maintaining a safer, drug-free workplace by evaluating historical substance use, rather than focusing narrowly on recent behaviors.
The hair follicle testing method in Mattson, MS significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering. This technique ensures reliable and unquestionable results, providing peace of mind for employers. The inherent resistance of hair tests to manipulation enhances the credibility of results and reinforces trust in the testing process.
The difficulty in compromising hair samples stands as a major advantage. This assurance of result integrity guarantees accurate and reliable outcomes. Employers adopting hair follicle testing experience fewer challenges related to sample adulteration, establishing a robust testing protocol.
Mattson, MS and other cities nationwide enjoy the convenience of our widespread testing centers. The Accredited Drug Testing network ensures testing services are universally accessible, eliminating common hurdles to achieving timely tests. This ease of access contributes to seamless scheduling and efficient results processing.
Potential delays are minimized due to the efficient infrastructure in place, simplifying the testing process. Whether in local or distant locations, our centers are equipped to offer consistent and high-quality testing services. Convenience and reliability highlight our commitment to comprehensive service provision.
Horn in Mattson, MS, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet. Accredited Drug Testing ensures confidentiality, from ordering to receiving results. Users appreciate the streamlined process that respects privacy concerns, maintaining the integrity of personal and sensitive data.
By focusing on simplicity, our testing process eases the stress commonly associated with procedural complexity. The procedure incorporates confidentiality principles at every stage, offering peace of mind knowing results are handled with the utmost care and privacy.
Our services in Mattson, MS commit to offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Companies benefit from affordable solutions that do not compromise on quality, ensuring superior value. Accredited Drug Testing's pricing structure is designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, enhancing access to premium testing.
Clients receive their results promptly due to our efficient processing. The combination of cost-effectiveness and timely reporting strengthens our service offering. Companies receive excellent service value, aligning with various operational and budgetary requirements.
The hair follicle drug tests conducted in Mattson, MS are renowned for their precision and speed. This testing method captures substance use with a high degree of accuracy, delivering results swiftly. Individuals and organizations benefit from its ability to discern substance presence, providing reliable feedback that ensures informed decisions are made based on real data.
With these tests, any potential substance use is identified with greater confidence due to their meticulous analysis. The expedited process also reduces waiting times, ensuring timely conclusions. This reliable testing framework not only assures high accuracy but also enhances trust in the detection results.
Employers in Mattson, MS achieve compliance and peace of mind through reliable hair follicle testing. By adopting these tests, firms align with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks. This method enhances workplace safety, delivering precise and dependable results that comply with industry standards.
Employers leveraging hair testing enjoy the benefit of maintaining a clean, substance-free environment. This can improve overall business reputation, providing stakeholders with assurance that due diligence is met regarding employee drug use. Utilizing reliable testing strategies proves invaluable for regulatory compliance and risk reduction.