Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluations are now recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair strand's fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It's advised to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair might be taken. When we refer to head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and dispatched accurately, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is pulled from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are drawn out from hair at a notably lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirming any positive screen outcome is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with tentative positivity are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle located under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Water Valley, MS
Comparing hair testing with traditional urine tests reveals multiple advantages. While urine tests are widely used, hair tests offer superior accuracy in detection. They not only uncover a broader spectrum of substances but also reflect a more extended usage history that urine tests might overlook, thereby providing a comprehensive evaluation.
Extended Detection Window in Water Valley, MS
One of the most distinguishing features of hair follicle drug testing is its prolonged detection period, which can track drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window supplies employers with an in-depth perspective of an individual's drug use patterns, creating a detailed overview that isn't attainable with shorter window tests like urine samples.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Water Valley, MS
The integrity of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, as they present a robust defense against sample tampering. This method ensures that samples remain unaltered and results stand unquestionable, as attempts to adulterate or manipulate are considerably less effective compared to more traditional methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Water Valley, MS
With convenient access nationwide and locally in Water Valley, Mississippi, Accredited Drug Testing facilities provide easy, hassle-free testing. The widespread network ensures that testing is never more than a short drive away, fostering accessibility and quick service wherever you are located.
Simple, Confidential Process in Water Valley, MS
Our testing procedure is designed to be straightforward and confidential, assuring clients of privacy from appointment booking to result retrieval. With an emphasis on user-friendliness and discretion, it provides a seamless experience for all parties involved, eliminating any concerns over complexity or privacy breaches.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Water Valley, MS
Our competitive pricing model provides great value for clients while ensuring quick result turnarounds. This commitment to cost-effectiveness and prompt service caters to businesses of all sizes, allowing them to confidently implement drug testing programs without excessive financial burden.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Water Valley, MS
Hair follicle drug tests promise swift and precise outcomes. The advanced methodologies involved ensure that results are accurate, detecting substance use efficiently. The speed with which results are delivered complements their reliability, helping employers make informed decisions quickly and with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Water Valley, MS
By implementing hair follicle testing, companies can uphold stringent drug-free workplace policies effectively. This not only assists in legal compliance but enhances overall workplace safety, providing peace of mind to employers by drastically cutting down the risks affiliated with workplace substance use.
