Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pass Christian, MS

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can show drug and alcohol use for up to three months. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If head hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. It consists of checking the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and recording any additional information not given by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is an affordable strategy to rule out drug intake for most samples, a positive outcome must be verified to stand up in legal settings. Any samples that are initially positive in Screening need further confirmation.

If a sample initially tests positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial collection is used for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lesser concentration than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluids), accounting for the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards certification.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended observation window: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate: Manipulating a hair drug test is quite difficult, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Supplies historical insight: It indicates a usage pattern over a duration, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of spotting recent intake: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug screenings are typically more costly than other testing options.
• Result variability: Differences such as hair color and individual hair growth patterns can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in Pass Christian, MS
Hair follicle testing significantly surpasses the capabilities of traditional urine tests, offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. These tests provide a long-term analysis of substance use, capturing a broader window of drug consumption. In contrast, urine tests are limited to shorter detection spans, making them less capable of identifying prolonged drug usage.

Extended Detection Window

Prolonged Detection Window in Pass Christian, MS
With the ability to reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, hair follicle testing offers employers profound insights into an applicant or employee's historical substance use. This extended detection period allows for a thorough assessment of long-term habits, promoting informed hiring and management decisions based on comprehensive substance histories.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure Testing Methods in Pass Christian, MS
Hair follicle tests present a tamper-resistant option, drastically minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. By providing consistent and irrefutable results, these tests establish a dependable solution for drug screenings. Employers and individuals alike can trust the authenticity of the outcomes, ensuring a commitment to transparency and integrity in testing procedures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Nationwide and Local Testing in Pass Christian, MS
Our widespread testing locations guarantee convenient access to services across the nation, including local options in Pass Christian, MS. This network ensures seamless and efficient testing experiences, accommodating diverse geographic needs and providing clients with reliable and effortless testing solutions at numerous accessible sites.

Simple, Confidential Process

Straightforward and Confidential Procedures in Pass Christian, MS
Our user-friendly and private process simplifies ordering, testing, and result retrieval. Maintaining privacy is at the forefront, offering peace of mind to participants. This streamlined approach addresses confidentiality concerns, ensuring ease and comfort throughout the entire testing experience, from initiation to completion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Budget-Friendly Rates and Quick Results in Pass Christian, MS
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times deliver exceptional value to companies of all sizes. These cost-effective solutions ensure organizations get affordable yet reliable testing services, promoting confidence and peace of mind through financially accessible, high-quality drug testing practices.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Rapid and Precise Outcomes in Pass Christian, MS
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and swiftness in detecting substances. These tests deliver high accuracy, providing reliable insights into an individual's substance usage profile. The efficient process ensures that both individuals and organizations receive trustworthy assessments within a short timeline, greatly enhancing decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Assurance and Compliance for Employers in Pass Christian, MS
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns employers with compliance standards for drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks and contributes to a more secure work environment. By ensuring that employees adhere to regulations, companies uphold safety protocols and foster a culture of accountability and trust.

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