Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. If sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An optimal sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring the sealing and shipping were done correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, confirming a positive screen is necessary for it to be permissible in court. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When weighing drug testing options in Porterville, MS, hair follicle tests prove superior to urine tests. Advantages include extended detection periods and reliability, making them robust against tampering. Employers find hair tests more accurate, yielding a longer history of substance use compared to the shorter detection window of urine tests.
With a lookout for drug usage spanning up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Porterville, MS offers an expansive detection window. This comprehensive timeline helps employers assess the continuous substance habits of potential and current employees, providing a clearer picture of their health and suitability for the workplace.
In Porterville, MS, one of the standout features of hair follicle tests is their tamper-resistant nature. This method greatly minimizes risks of adulteration present in other testing formats. Reliability is paramount, and hair tests ensure that the results are unquestionable, achieving authenticity in drug testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenience with manifold testing centers across the nation, including Porterville, MS. Our broad network ensures that no matter the locale, access to our services is uncomplicated and readily available. This accessibility streamlines the process of conducting hair follicle tests.
In Porterville, MS, the procedure for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step respects privacy and ease of use. This discreet process reassures individuals and companies of their confidentiality being safeguarded throughout the testing experience.
In Porterville, MS, accredited drug testing services boast competitive pricing and rapid result delivery. Our cost-effective pricing structures appeal to companies of all sizes, ensuring drug testing is feasible without sacrificing speed or quality. This combines value with promptness, providing peace of mind.
In Porterville, MS, hair follicle testing offers rapid, reliable results, pinpointing substance use with remarkable accuracy. Employing advanced technology, these tests deliver high precision in detecting drug presence, furnishing results swiftly. This ensures stakeholders reliable data for informed decision-making in various situations.
For employers in Porterville, MS, hair follicle testing is synonymous with assurance and compliance. Adhering to drug-free workplace mandates, this testing method offers peace of mind. It mitigates legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, affirming company policies and nurturing a secure working environment.
