Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When hair is cut near the base, it can reveal drug or alcohol use for up to 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hairs akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil, taken near the scalp, will weigh around 100mg, which is ideal for screening and verification. For tests such as EtG, additions, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the hair using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types like facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the preliminary incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. It checks that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial overview for substances of abuse. While it's cost-efficient for dismissing drug presence in most cases, a positive indication requires confirmation before being legally valid. Samples suggesting drug presence in Screening need further verification.
If Screening preliminarily suggests drug use, more material is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This stage isolates drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, explaining the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verification of positive results from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating positive results undergo washing prior to verification as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing holds distinct advantages over traditional urine testing in Tucker, MS. It excels in providing a more accurate and reliable detection period for substance use. While urine tests might catch recent drug use, hair tests offer a broader detection window, revealing substance use over several months, thus aligning with stringent testing requirements.
In Tucker, MS, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, revolving around a 90-day period. This comprehensive timeline offers employers a detailed view of an individual's substance-related behavior, far beyond the few days that urine tests typically cover. This capacity ensures that employers can make well-informed decisions regarding current or potential employees.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Tucker, MS, makes it difficult for samples to be adulterated or replaced. This reliability ensures the authenticity of the test, providing results that are beyond question. As a safeguard against tampering, these tests enhance confidence in the findings and bolster the integrity of the testing process.
Our testing network in Tucker, MS, and beyond offers unmatched convenience with nationwide locations. Access to our services is seamless, ensuring that individuals and businesses can undergo testing without hassle. This ensures a straightforward experience, eliminating delays and facilitating prompt testing in local and broader settings.
The straightforward and confidential nature of the hair follicle testing process in Tucker, MS, ensures user-friendly engagement. From the moment of order to the reception of results, every step protects privacy and ensures ease, alleviating any concerns related to confidentiality or complexity. This makes it accessible and safe for all users involved.
In Tucker, MS, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This ensures excellent value without compromising on quality or speed, catering to companies of all sizes. By balancing cost-effectiveness with efficiency, we deliver peace of mind alongside precise and timely testing results.
In Tucker, MS, the precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests offer exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use, presenting reliable results that help in making informed decisions swiftly. Their capability to deliver fast and precise insights into a person's drug history makes them invaluable in various settings, ensuring trust and reliability in outcomes.
Using hair follicle testing in Tucker, MS, offers employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and optimizing workplace safety. By adhering to regulatory standards, organizations not only promote a safe and secure environment but also assure stakeholders of their committed adherence to legal requirements and employee welfare.