Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record over time, with alcohol and other substances being deposited in the fibers of a maturing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, fairly hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil in size) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used instead. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair indicates all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Concept Summary
The four major stages in the lab handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This means making sure the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not catered for by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening contains an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although it is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated for court acceptance. Any samples that are assumed positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is assumed positive in the Screening step, more hair is taken from the original specimen and set for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging method to administer.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All assumed positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The total lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the scalp's hair follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
The advantages of hair follicle testing in Mississippi State, MS, surpass those of traditional urine tests. With enhanced detection accuracy, they provide reliable results that are less susceptible to adulteration compared to urine testing.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle tests offer a prolonged detection period, capable of identifying drug usage over the last 90 days. This extended window supplies employers in Mississippi State, MS, with a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Mississippi State, MS, hair follicle testing significantly curtails the likelihood of sample tampering. This methodology produces outcomes that are both dependable and irrefutable, safeguarding the integrity of the test.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Mississippi State, MS, our nationwide network of testing centers ensures that access to hair follicle test services is quick and hassle-free, providing convenience for all our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our hair follicle testing procedure in Mississippi State, MS, is straightforward and private. From ordering to obtaining results, it addresses privacy concerns and ensures user-friendliness, making the process stress-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround in Mississippi State, MS, offer superb value. Companies of any size can benefit from these services, enjoying both affordability and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Mississippi State, MS, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision. These tests are adept at high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing swift results, essential for timely decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Hair follicle testing in Mississippi State, MS, assists employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. It diminishes legal risks and boosts workplace safety, offering peace of mind that policies are being enforced effectively.
