Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a prolonged history of alcohol and drug usage by entrapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. We recommend using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair can't be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Regarding head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory process of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse. While screening is a budget-friendly method to rule out drug consumption for most samples, confirmed outcomes are prerequisites for court admissibility. Any samples suggesting a positive result during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
Upon obtaining a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
In North Tunica, MS, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests. The benefits of hair testing extend beyond simple detection—it showcases superior accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection window and increased tamper resistance, hair testing is a more effective drug testing method.
Employers in North Tunica, MS gain a thorough view of substance use with hair follicle testing. This method detects drug use over up to 90 days, offering a broad scope of an individual's history. Such tests give employers valuable insights into candidates or employees' past substance consumption.
In North Tunica, MS, hair follicle tests offer a testing method resistant to tampering. By minimizing the risk of adulteration, hair tests provide reliable results that stand up to scrutiny. This ensures confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the collection process.
Residents and businesses in North Tunica, MS benefit from our extensive network of testing facilities. With convenient locations nationwide, accessing hair testing services is quick and hassle-free. Our centers ensure that testing is accessible and efficient for everyone.
The hair follicle testing process in North Tunica, MS is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking and receiving results, the procedure is designed with privacy and simplicity in mind. Clients experience ease and discreet handling every step of the way.
In North Tunica, MS, our hair follicle testing services are not only fast but also competitively priced. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, ensuring excellent value and timely results.
In North Tunica, MS, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing stand out. These tests offer rapid and highly accurate results, effectively identifying substance use. Hair testing ensures reliable and swift outcomes, making it an excellent choice for those needing assured results.
Employers in North Tunica, MS achieve peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. Hair testing is not just a choice but a compliance tool for employers looking to maintain workplace integrity.
