Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as a significant means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption has grown. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When taken near the scalp, it can reveal substance use for up to three months. Hair samples are easy to obtain, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send for analysis.
An ideal sample for evaluation and confirmation consists of a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp, weighing 100mg. For EtG, specific add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for precise measurement. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a similar quantity of body hair may be sourced. The term head hair exclusively pertains to scalp hair. The term body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Summary
The drug test laboratory procedure comprises four central phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within the lab’s system. This phase includes checking the sample’s seal and shipment, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional details not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug traces. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug presence for most cases, any positive outcomes need confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples indicated as positive in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples flagged as presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Snow Lake Shores, MS
When contrast with urine tests, hair follicle testing stands superior with heightened detection accuracy and dependability. In Snow Lake Shores, MS, this method's comprehensive nature effortlessly identifies drug use, offering extended detection periods and reducing the chances of meddling that urine tests are susceptible to.
Extended Detection Window in Snow Lake Shores, MS
Hair follicle testing grants a prolonged detection timeline, typically covering up to 90 days, making it an invaluable resource for employers. This empowers them to thoroughly understand an individual's substance use history, contributing significantly to informed employment decisions in Snow Lake Shores, MS.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Snow Lake Shores, MS
Opting for hair follicle analysis curbs the risks associated with sample adulteration. This robust testing method in Snow Lake Shores, MS, produces consistent and reliable outcomes, enhancing the credibility of the entire process, minimizing doubts and disputes over test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Snow Lake Shores, MS
With a network of testing sites nationwide, accredited locations are conveniently available in Snow Lake Shores, MS. This extensive coverage ensures simple, quick access to testing services, minimizing hassle and simplifying the screening process for individuals and organizations alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Snow Lake Shores, MS
The procedure for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential, from the order placement to result reception. In Snow Lake Shores, MS, we prioritize user privacy and simplicity, addressing concerns and guaranteeing a seamless experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Snow Lake Shores, MS
In Snow Lake Shores, MS, our competitive pricing structures align with swift turnaround times, offering remarkable value for organizations of all sizes. This makes the process cost-effective without sacrificing the rapid and dependable receipt of test results, ensuring peace of mind for businesses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Snow Lake Shores, MS
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests offer high confidence in detecting substance use. The meticulous process allows for accurate identification, ensuring trustworthy outcomes. In Snow Lake Shores, MS, employing this method guarantees a quick turnaround without compromising accuracy, allowing organizations to make informed decisions based on dependable data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Snow Lake Shores, MS
Hair follicle testing fosters compliance with drug-free workplace guidelines, diminishing legal pitfalls and bolstering safety. This ensures a serene work environment in Snow Lake Shores, MS, guaranteeing employers peace of mind in upholding policy adherence and ensuring a reliable workforce.
