Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a comprehensive history by securing biomarkers within their fibers. Collected near the scalp, these strands can offer up to a 90-day window for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) gives 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for testing and reconfirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and checks beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes other varieties such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for analyzing a drug test sample features four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial entry of a specimen into a lab’s workflow. This stage involves confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not supported by an automated chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial assessment for drug misuse. Although cost-effective for eliminating drug presence in most samples, a positive screen needs validation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
A presumptive positive during the Screening leads to more hair being extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are separated from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral samples, which makes hair analysis particularly complex.
Validation of any positive screen is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are cleansed before validation as required. The complete lab methodology, ranging from Accessioning to Validation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Merrill, MS. There are distinct benefits of employing hair testing over traditional urine tests. This method offers exceptional detection accuracy and reliability, outperforming traditional testing methods.
Extended Detection Window in Merrill, MS. Hair follicle testing is effective in revealing drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive insight into an applicant or employee’s substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Merrill, MS. Hair follicle tests significantly lower the chances of sample adulteration, offering robust, reliable, and indisputable testing results that can be trusted.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Merrill, MS. Our extensively located nationwide testing centers ensure accessibility, facilitating a seamless and approachable testing process. This convenience fosters hassle-free testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Merrill, MS. The straightforward, private process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results is designed to protect individual privacy while being easy to understand and use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Merrill, MS. Competitive pricing structures and quick result turnaround times underscore the value we offer, providing cost-effective solutions that deliver peace of mind to companies large and small.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Merrill, MS. Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. These advanced tests detect substance use with high accuracy, providing reliable results in Merrill, ensuring well-informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Merrill, MS. Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also enhances the safety and security of the workplace environment.
