Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of the hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a long-term record of alcohol and drugs. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substances up to around three months back. Collecting hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's advisable to weigh the hair on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When 'head hair' is mentioned, it refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four critical steps in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into a lab’s system, which includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary check for drug presence. While Screening is economical for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for court validity. Presumptive positives from Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample reflects a presumptively positive from Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations as compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to perform.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab process falls under the scrutiny of CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly named "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In West Hattiesburg, MS, hair follicle testing is gaining recognition over traditional urine tests. The extended detection timeframe, which can reach up to 90 days, greatly surpasses that of urine tests, making it more reliable in identifying long-term drug use. Additionally, the superior detection accuracy offered by hair testing provides a more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use history.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in West Hattiesburg, MS, captures drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This capability grants employers a more complete understanding of an applicant or employee’s substance habits, surpassing traditional methods and offering a broader perspective on past drug use, which is invaluable when assessing reliability or suitability for a role.
Hair follicle tests in West Hattiesburg, MS, offer a tamper-resistant approach, greatly minimizing the likelihood of falsifying results. The difficulty of altering hair samples compared to other testing means guarantees reliability and integrity in the findings, ensuring confidence in the results for clients requiring definite proof of substance use or abstinence.
With convenient testing locations nationwide and in West Hattiesburg, MS, accessing hair follicle testing is simple and stress-free. The widespread availability of our testing facilities ensures that individuals and businesses can undergo the required tests without hassle, offering a consistent and reliable service network across different regions for easy access.
The hair follicle testing process in West Hattiesburg, MS, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the process addresses privacy concerns and ensures user-friendly experiences. This allows individuals to undergo testing with assurance, knowing their data is secure and the procedure straightforward.
Our services in West Hattiesburg, MS, stand out with affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, making hair follicle testing accessible to businesses of all sizes. The combination of competitive rates and fast results provides exceptional value, assuring employers of cost-effective and timely drug screening solutions to meet corporate needs.
Hair follicle drug tests provide quick, precise, and trustworthy outcomes in West Hattiesburg, MS. With a focus on precision and speed, these tests offer higher accuracy in detecting substance use compared to other methods. The ability to quickly verify test results ensures the reliability of hair testing as a preferred method among clients seeking efficiency and trustworthiness in their drug screening process.
Employers in West Hattiesburg, MS, find peace of mind through hair follicle tests, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests allow companies to mitigate legal and safety risks, fostering a secure and compliant work environment. By integrating hair testing, businesses can confidently maintain their commitment to a safe, drug-free workplace.
