Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as a powerful asset for identifying drug and alcohol use, hair testing captures a prolonged history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, this technique can reveal alcohol and drug use with a detection window extending up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easily transported.
Taking a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (about a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, and those exceeding ten-count—150mg of hair is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The pivotal stages in laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This stage includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry possibly absent in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial, swift examination for substances of abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug use from most samples, any positive screening requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples presumptively positive in Screening call for a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are derived from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than those found using alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids). This makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. Both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards oversee the entire process from Accessioning through Confirmation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Philadelphia, MS
Hair follicle testing stands out against urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a more accurate window into substance use, offering more than just recent consumption evidence.
Extended Detection Window in Philadelphia, MS
Employers in Philadelphia, MS benefit from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle tests. These tests review drug use over a prolonged period, generally covering up to 90 days, thus offering a broader view of substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Philadelphia, MS
Hair follicle tests are engineered to significantly lower the risk of sample tampering, offering reliable and unquestionable results. In Philadelphia, MS, this method ensures that the integrity of test samples remains intact.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Philadelphia, MS
With nationwide centers, individuals in Philadelphia, MS experience seamless access to hair follicle testing, ensuring convenient and hassle-free testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Philadelphia, MS
The hair follicle testing process in Philadelphia, MS is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to results reception, participants enjoy a seamless experience that respects privacy and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Philadelphia, MS
Our hair follicle testing in Philadelphia, MS emphasizes competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, providing excellent value and assurance for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Philadelphia, MS
Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and speed in determining substance use, ensuring high accuracy. In Philadelphia, MS, these tests are favored for their ability to deliver fast and reliable outcomes, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Philadelphia, MS
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in Philadelphia, MS to adhere to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal issues and promoting workplace safety.
