Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as a significant means for identifying both alcohol and drug consumption. Hair functions as a long-term archive for alcohol and other substances by fixating biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can yield a detection span of up to around 3 months for various drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A collected hair sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equal volume of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair implies only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result mainly involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the preliminary step of introducing a sample into a lab’s system. It includes ensuring the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening offers an initial cursory check for substance abuse. While this step is cost-efficient in ruling out drug use for most samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal admissibility. All Screening-presumed positive samples require further confirmation.
Should there be a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This stage involves obtaining drugs from hair at concentrations substantially lower than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is most arduous to conduct.
Any positive indication from screening undergoes Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if needed. The entire set of processes from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though colloquially termed "hair follicle tests", this examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
In Okolona, MS, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a longer detection window, capturing substance use history up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that only cover a short period. This makes them ideal for stringent drug-free work environments and legal settings, ensuring more accurate results and minimizing the chances of manipulation or evasion common with urine testing.
Hair follicle testing in Okolona, MS, offers an extended detection window for identifying drug use. Unlike traditional methods, it can trace substance consumption up to 90 days prior. This prolonged period of detection provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s drug use history, critical for employers assessing long-term substance habits of their employees or potential hires, aiding in making informed hiring and employment decisions.
In Okolona, MS, the hair follicle testing method is highly tamper-resistant. By significantly reducing the risk of adulteration, this method offers dependable and unquestionable results. The observed sample collection process further diminishes the possibility of tampering, ensuring that employers and institutions receive accurate and trustworthy data, critical for maintaining strict drug-free policies and compliance with legal requirements.
With our conveniently located testing centers nationwide and within Okolona, MS, we offer easy access for all your drug testing needs. The process is quick and hassle-free, minimizing time away from work or other commitments. Our local presence ensures that community members in Okolona have convenient options to undergo hair follicle testing without extensive travel, meeting immediate testing demands efficiently.
In Okolona, MS, our hair follicle drug testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we address privacy concerns effectively. The ease of use ensures that individuals can undertake the process without hassle, supporting their privacy and comfort. Our discreet method respects confidentiality, making it an ideal choice for those seeking thorough yet unobtrusive substance testing solutions.
We provide affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle drug testing in Okolona, MS. Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value for companies of all sizes. Coupled with the rapid processing of results, we facilitate quick and informed decision-making. This combination of affordability and efficiency supports businesses in maintaining their drug-free policies without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Okolona, MS. These tests are known for their precision in detecting substance use, providing high accuracy levels. The quick turnaround time means that results are delivered promptly, allowing for informed decision-making. This swift and dependable method ensures both individuals and organizations receive trustworthy and timely information regarding drug use.
Hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind for employers in Okolona, MS by upholding drug-free workplace policies. This involves minimizing legal risks, enhancing workplace safety, and ensuring reliable compliance with regulations. Employers can confidently use hair testing to detect any drug-related issues, reducing liability while promoting a safe and productive working environment.
