Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mendenhall, MS

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands preserve a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When trimmed near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month timeframe for detecting both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, quite resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp generates 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or analysis exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. Head hair strictly refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types like facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The primary procedures in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into the laboratory's system, ensuring the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplementing any extra data entry not covered by an e-chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a financially efficient way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal acceptance. Any samples with provisional positive results in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at markedly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.

Confirmation of a positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenges in tampering: It is exceedingly difficult to tamper with a hair drug test, ensuring more precise results.
• Offers usage timeline: It can indicate a trajectory of drug usage across time, rather than merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent usage: It usually takes 5-7 days for substances to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically have higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although they are often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Mendenhall, MS, several benefits arise. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection window, hair tests can reveal substance use over an extended period, making them more dependable for zero-tolerance policies and legal compliance.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window in Mendenhall, MS, often up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe offers employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding potential or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests administered in Mendenhall, MS significantly lowers the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are both reliable and valid, giving employers and individuals greater confidence in test outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient testing centers available nationwide, including local options in Mendenhall, MS, our services ensure quick and hassle-free access. This expansive network guarantees that clients can easily partake in testing without unnecessary delays or complications.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Mendenhall, MS is simple and confidential. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use for all clients involved, maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and a rapid turnaround for hair follicle testing in Mendenhall, MS, our services provide exceptional value. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from this cost-effective approach without compromising on the speed and accuracy of results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Mendenhall, MS, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering fast and accurate results. These tests are capable of detecting a wide array of substances with high precision, thus providing reliable outcomes quickly. This accuracy ensures that individuals or organizations receive trustworthy data regarding substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Mendenhall, MS helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This practice not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances overall safety, providing peace of mind for employers committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.

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