Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair provides a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to adulteration, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 strands of hair (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court admissibility. Any samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this procedure, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tie Plant, MS
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its ability to identify substances over a longer period makes it an invaluable tool for employers in Tie Plant who require comprehensive drug screening solutions that can provide a clearer picture of substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Tie Plant, MS
Hair follicle testing offers the advantage of a prolonged detection period, capable of unveiling drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window enables employers to gauge the substance history of prospective or current employees more thoroughly, providing insightful data crucial for informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tie Plant, MS
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering, significantly minimizing the possibility of sample manipulation. This robust testing method ensures that the results are both reliable and incontestable, providing employers and authorities with confidence in their assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tie Plant, MS
With numerous testing centers available nationwide, including in Tie Plant, MS, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and convenient. Our widespread network ensures that individuals and businesses can easily find locations nearby, facilitating quick and effortless testing procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tie Plant, MS
The process for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential, from ordering to sample collection to result delivery. Concerns about privacy are addressed, ensuring that all aspects of the testing are conducted with the utmost discretion and simplicity, enhancing user experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tie Plant, MS
We offer competitive pricing structures along with rapid result delivery, providing excellent value for businesses, regardless of size. Our services ensure that clients receive timely and affordable testing, enhancing peace of mind and contributing to effective business operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tie Plant, MS
Hair follicle testing stands out for its swift and precise detection of substance use. This method ensures high accuracy, providing clear results quickly. In Tie Plant, those seeking dependable drug testing methods can trust hair analysis for its ability to deliver definitive results in a timely manner, making it a preferred choice for many.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tie Plant, MS
Implementing hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with drug-free workplace policies, drastically reducing legal liabilities. Employers in Tie Plant benefit from increased workplace safety and security, assured that their drug testing processes meet stringent standards.
