Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber, it provides a historical record of substance use for up to roughly three months when hair is collected near the scalp. It's easy to gather, ship, and less prone to tampering.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) collected closest to the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For testing EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. It’s advisable to verify the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. Reference to head hair strictly pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary stages in drug test processing at the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This stage ensures the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns it a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the preliminary examination for misuse of substances. While it is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive results in screening must be confirmed for legal validity. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary batch and prepped for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than those in alternative testing methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation, as required. The full examination process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stovall, MS
Hair follicle drug testing offers numerous benefits over traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, covering a more extended range of drug use history. This enhanced detection and reliability make hair testing the preferred choice for many employers and legal professionals alike.
Extended Detection Window in Stovall, MS
Hair follicle testing provides a detection window of up to 90 days, far surpassing urine tests. This extended timeframe enables employers to obtain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history, assisting in making informed decisions regarding employment and substance abuse management.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stovall, MS
The use of hair follicle testing significantly curtails the risk of sample tampering or adulteration. The secure collection and analysis process ensures reliable and unquestionable results, reinforcing trust in the testing procedure and its outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stovall, MS
With testing centers nationwide and locally in Stovall, MS, our services ensure hassle-free access to drug testing. This convenience allows for quick and easy testing, meeting the needs of individuals and organizations efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stovall, MS
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects privacy. The simple ordering and testing procedure, along with confidential result delivery, ensure ease of use and address any privacy concerns, making the testing experience positive and stress-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stovall, MS
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times provide cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes. This ensures excellent value and peace of mind, with quick and reliable drug testing services available to meet diverse needs.
In Stovall, MS, hair follicle drug tests offer rapid, precise, and reliable results. Hair testing effectively identifies substance use, providing a dependable measure due to its high accuracy. These tests are fast and generate timely insights into an individual's drug use history, assuring employers of the credibility of the testing results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stovall, MS
Employing hair follicle testing aids in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind for employers while fostering a secure and healthy working environment.
