Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extensive timeline for alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strand's developing fibers. When obtained near the scalp, a hair sample can indicate up to a 90-day history of alcohol and drug intake. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and suitable for transport.
A section measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both testing and confirmation processes. For the EtG test, additional testing or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is suggested. It is important to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample’s weight. If head hair isn't accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, it is exclusive to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, underarm, etc.).
Procedure Outline
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug analysis result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is introduced into the laboratory’s system. This phase encompasses ensuring the sample is sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry possibly lacking from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug consumption in most cases, a positive finding must be validated for legal admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
For presumptive positives in the Screening process, an additional hair portion is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are separated from hair samples at much reduced concentrations compared to other procedures (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing a complex method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation, all samples marked presumptive positive are cleansed as necessary. Each step from Accessioning through to Confirmation is conducted following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and accreditation based on ISO/IEC 17025 criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the underlying scalp follicle.
Comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests in Stewart, MS reveals clear benefits. Hair tests excel in detection accuracy, providing definite results over a longer period than urine tests. Their superior reliability plays a crucial role for employers implementing zero-tolerance drug policies, enhancing the overall efficacy of workplace drug screening.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Stewart, MS offers employers a comprehensive substance history review of up to 90 days. This capability allows for a thorough evaluation compared to shorter detection periods seen with other methods. The broader temporal analysis ensures a full understanding of an individual's drug use habits.
In Stewart, MS, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method. By significantly lowering the chance of sample adulteration, it provides results that are indisputable and credible. The method’s design frustrates attempts at deception, securing an honest evaluation of drug use for all concerned parties.
Accredited Drug Testing in Stewart, MS showcases the convenience of widespread testing centers. These locations provide easily accessible, nationwide services, transforming the testing process into a streamlined, hassle-free experience. Clients benefit from seamless integration with our local and national centers, ensuring testing is conducted without difficulty.
The simple and confidential process available in Stewart, MS makes hair follicle testing user-friendly from start to finish. Clients can order, undergo, and receive results smoothly while maintaining privacy. This assurance of confidentiality and ease alleviates any privacy concerns, solidifying trust in the testing procedure.
Our competitive pricing and swift turnarounds in Stewart, MS offer businesses of various sizes outstanding value. The cost-effectiveness of hair follicle testing, coupled with prompt results, affords companies peace of mind. It ensures that they receive the best service at a price that aligns with their budget while maintaining quality standards.
In the heart of Stewart, MS, hair follicle drug tests offer not only swiftness but also a high degree of precision. This testing method is unrivaled in its ability to detect substance use accurately, ensuring results that are both fast and reliable. Employers find confidence in its consistency, as it delivers credible outcomes swiftly, elevating workplace safety.
For employers in Stewart, MS, hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind. Its consistent and reliable nature ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal issues and bolstering safety. By choosing this testing method, employers can confidently manage their workforce's health environment.