Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as an effective method for determining drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term account of alcohol and other drugs by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers of the emerging hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can supply a detection window of up to about 3 months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, amounts to 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This stage verifies that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any supplementary data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a budget-friendly means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that screen as presumptively positive require additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and processed for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is recognized as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis occurs on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair vs. Urine Testing in Saucier, MS
Extended Detection Range in Saucier, MS
Hair follicle analysis offers a substantial detection window, tracing drug use up to 90 days back. This extended timeframe is invaluable for employers in Saucier, MS, as it compiles an extensive drug use profile, illuminating the long-term habits of applicants or employees.
Secure Testing Method in Saucier, MS
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, drastically minimizing the potential for sample manipulation. This robustness ensures results are both reliable and unquestionable, vital for maintaining integrity in testing processes across Saucier, MS.
Ease of Access with Nationwide Centers
Our network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Saucier, MS, allows quick and convenient access to drug testing services. With no hassle, residents can find nearby locations that offer the comprehensive testing they require.
Streamlined and Confidential
In Saucier, MS, ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is a straightforward and private process. We prioritize confidentiality and user-friendly procedures, ensuring clients feel secure and at ease throughout.
Competitive Pricing in Saucier, MS
Offering affordable pricing, our hair follicle tests in Saucier, MS, also guarantee rapid results. Companies of all sizes benefit from our commitment to value and swift turnaround, ensuring efficient and cost-effective testing solutions.
Precision and Speed in Saucier, MS
The accuracy of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, offering rapid and reliable detection of substance use. In Saucier, MS, this testing method provides the swift identification of various drugs, focusing on precision not only in results but also in the speed of reporting those results back to the concerned parties.
Ensuring Compliance in Saucier, MS
For employers aiming for compliance with drug-free workplace policies, hair follicle testing provides reassurance. It reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, granting peace of mind through stringent adherence to regulatory standards in Saucier, MS.
