Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected from the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. It is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, considered optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, supplemental tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When reference is made to head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Key steps in the lab analysis of drug testing results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a specimen into the lab system, which involves checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry if not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for illicit substances. While cost-effective, any positive screening result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any potentially positive results in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample show potential positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Samples indicating presumptive positives undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The entire lab processing sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually assesses the hair strand, excluding the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sunflower, MS, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are evident. Hair tests offer a broader and more reliable window for detecting drug use compared to urine. This enhanced accuracy ensures that individuals cannot easily evade detection, providing employers with a more trustworthy drug screening method.
Hair follicle testing in Sunflower, MS, is invaluable for detecting drug use over extended periods of up to 90 days. This method gives employers a clear picture of an individual's substance use history. Unlike other tests, hair testing does not limit detection to recent use, providing a more comprehensive view.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Sunflower, MS, offers reliable results that cannot be easily tampered with. Unlike urine samples, hair tests are collected in a manner that minimizes the chance of adulteration. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for those seeking dependable outcomes.
Testing in Sunflower, MS, is convenient with numerous nationwide testing locations ensuring accessible services. Whether locally or across the country, our centers allow for an easy and trouble-free testing experience, benefiting both employers and individuals seeking rapid testing solutions.
In Sunflower, MS, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and maintains confidentiality throughout. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to respect privacy while providing a smooth, stress-free experience for all involved.
In Sunflower, MS, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and quick result turnarounds. This ensures that businesses of any size can benefit from first-class drug testing services without straining budgets, receiving excellent value and peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests in Sunflower, MS, are renowned for their speed and precision in substance detection. Their ability to accurately identify a range of substances ensures that results are both fast and dependable. This leaves little room for doubt, providing peace of mind to both testers and those being tested, knowing the results reflect true substance use.
For employers in Sunflower, MS, hair follicle testing brings assurance in maintaining drug-free policies at work. By employing this reliable method, companies can feel secure in compliance with regulations, reducing potential legal issues while promoting a safer workplace environment.