Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective technique, hair testing has emerged for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug exposure by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can allow for nearly a 3-month detection range for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
A tuft measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hairs (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both preliminary testing and confirmation. For EtG assessments, additional elements, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a matching quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other hair categories (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four critical phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s framework. This stage ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any additional input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage across most samples, a positive result in Screening must be validated to be permissible in legal proceedings. Samples that suggest positivity in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
For samples that are tentatively identified as positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging process to implement.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples tentatively positive are washed before confirmation if required. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Mound Bayou, MS, boasts numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. With a longer detection window and unparalleled accuracy, hair tests reveal substance use histories that urine tests may miss. They stand out for their ability to detect drug residues over extended periods, enhancing the reliability of testing outcomes.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Mound Bayou, MS, offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use over a 90-day period. This feature is invaluable for employers looking to understand the long-term habits of potential employees, providing clarity and informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Mound Bayou, MS, minimize the risk of sample adulteration, making them a tamper-resistant choice for drug testing. Due to their integrity and reliability, these tests ensure results are indisputable, providing organizations peace of mind with unquestionable authenticity.
In Mound Bayou, MS, the convenience of our nationwide and local testing centers simplifies drug testing processes. Quick, easy, and hassle-free, these testing services ensure that individuals and businesses can access necessary testing without significant disruption or time loss.
The drug testing process in Mound Bayou, MS, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease, addressing concerns about confidentiality and helping clients feel secure throughout the process.
In Mound Bayou, MS, competitive pricing and fast turnaround times are hallmarks of our hair follicle drug testing services. Providing excellent value, these services accommodate businesses of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind with cost-effective solutions and quick results.
In Mound Bayou, MS, precision and speed are at the forefront of hair follicle drug testing. These tests are lauded for their accuracy in detecting substance use, offering results that are both fast and reliable. Individuals and organizations alike benefit from knowing that they can dependably uncover substance use histories with hair tests.
For employers in Mound Bayou, MS, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, giving businesses the confidence of knowing they adhere to required standards and protect their work environment.
