Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of a growing hair strand capture markers of alcohol and other substances, offering a historical record of intake. When hair is sampled close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over nearly a 3-month span. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, the possibilities for tampering are limited, and shipping is uncomplicated.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment from about 200 strands (approximating the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both initial testing and subsequent validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or panels exceeding 10 tests, 150mg is suggested. We advise the use of a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory conduct of drug testing follows four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the first phase of integrating a sample into the lab's workflow. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment integrity, allocates a unique Lab Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes ancillary data entry absent in electronic custody records.
Screening entails a preliminary evaluation for drug misuse. Although Screening is an economical tactic for identifying drug-free samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Samples labeled as likely positive during Screening must undergo further verification.
Should Screening return a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. This stage isolates drugs from the hair at concentrations significantly lower than those found using alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), presenting hair drug testing as the most intricate method to administer.
Any presumptively positive results from Screening are authenticated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the full laboratory method is scrutinized under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although they are sometimes called "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sharon, MS
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests, hair testing emerges superior due to its unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which primarily cover recent drug use, hair follicle analysis presents a broader detection capability, offering an extensive view of an individual's substance exposure history in Sharon, MS.
Extended Detection Window in Sharon, MS
Hair follicle testing's strength lies in its ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, providing employers in Sharon with a more comprehensive account of an individual's substance activity. Such a broad detection window is crucial for informed decision-making regarding employee history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sharon, MS
Hair follicle tests considerably minimize tampering risks, ensuring that collected samples yield truthful and uncontested results. This robust resistance to sample adulteration offers peace of mind for users seeking definitive testing results in Sharon, MS.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sharon, MS
Our expansive network of testing centers guarantees hassle-free access to testing services across the nation. Convenient facilities in Sharon, MS, ensure that businesses and individuals can efficiently access reliable testing with minimal inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sharon, MS
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and private. In Sharon, MS, concerns about confidentiality and ease of use are well-addressed, ensuring a seamless testing experience for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sharon, MS
With competitive pricing structures and rapid result turnaround, we offer excellent value for companies in Sharon, MS, regardless of size. This commitment to affordability, paired with quick service, ensures clients receive quality testing solutions tailored to their needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sharon, MS
Hair follicle drug tests are praised for their quick, precise, and reliable outcomes. This method outperforms alternative testing methods, rapidly detecting substance use with a high degree of accuracy. Efficient detection ensures prompt and dependable results, instilling confidence among users in Sharon, MS.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sharon, MS
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance and mitigating legal challenges. For Sharon-based employers, this means enhanced workplace safety and reduced legal vulnerabilities, contributing to an environment of trust and assurance.
