Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective technique for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the strands as it grows, offering a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches measuring roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg, which is an ideal amount for testing. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for analyzing a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial entry of a sample into the lab system. This involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary examination to detect drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be validated for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require secondary verification.
If a Screening test indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair in concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Perkinston, MS, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. These tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a broader range of substances with fewer chances of error.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle analysis offers a wider time window for detecting drug use, making it a preferred choice for employers needing stringent substance use policies.
Extended Detection Window
In Perkinston, MS, hair follicle tests have a detection window that extends up to 90 days, offering employers a far-reaching view of an individual’s substance use history. This comprehensive analysis is vital in assessing long-term drug use tendencies.
This extended period allows for more thorough screenings, as opposed to shorter windows offered by other testing methods, providing a broad picture of reliability and trustworthiness.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Perkinston, MS, hair follicle testing significantly curtails the likelihood of sample adulteration. These tests deliver reliable and undeniable results, ensuring integrity in the process, without the flaws associated with other methods.
Our tests are nearly impossible to cheat, providing peace of mind to users and testers alike, ensuring that the results remain unchallenged in authenticity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Featuring both local and nationwide testing centers, Perkinston, MS, ensures swift and uncomplicated access to hair drug testing services.
Our widespread presence offers ease to clients, eliminating the usual hassle associated with finding and accessing professional testing facilities, saving valuable time and effort.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Perkinston, MS, the process for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns to maintain the highest level of discretion for all users.
Ordering, undertaking the test, and receiving results are performed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind, ensuring user comfort and satisfaction throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Offering competitive pricing, Perkinston, MS, ensures that hair follicle testing is accessible and efficient, boasting rapid turnaround times that deliver exceptional value.
Businesses, regardless of size, can rely on quick, cost-effective solutions, gaining value and assurance from our reliable testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Perkinston, MS, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and swiftness. This method offers high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing quick results that employers and individuals can trust.
Hair testing ensures that results are dependable, with minimal waiting time involved. This expeditious process ensures that decision-making related to employment or legal issues is based on accurate data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Perkinston, MS, utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure that employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while bolstering workplace safety.
These tests foster a secure environment, granting employers peace of mind, knowing they are safeguarding their personnel and upholding regulatory compliance.
