Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of a hair strand capture biological markers that offer a prolonged timeline of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair can indicate substance use within an approximate three-month frame for alcohol and other drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair segment consisting of about 200 strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for testing and confirming. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing into the lab's system. This process includes verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For samples that test positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial specimen is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of a positive result from screening uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests assess the hair strand, not the follicle lying beneath the scalp.
Superiority of Hair Testing over urine tests in Winstonville, MS, is evident. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers reliable and accurate detection, showcasing efficiency.
The benefits of hair testing over traditional urine tests lie in its ability to track long-term drug usage, giving it an edge in reliability and accuracy.
Extended Detection is where hair follicle tests shine in Winstonville, MS. They offer a longer look-back period, often up to 90 days, capturing a broader scope of substance history.
Employers benefit from hair follicle tests due to their extended detection period, providing insight into drug use well beyond the limitations of blood or urine testing.
Fraud-Resistant Testing is a key advantage of hair follicle tests in Winstonville, MS. The method is nearly tamper-proof, delivering trustworthy and indisputable results.
Reduces Sample Adulteration: Hair follicle tests are resilient against tampering, providing reliable insights where other methods might fail.
Nationwide and Local Convenience is a hallmark of our testing services in Winstonville, MS. Our extensive network ensures quick and easy access to testing facilities.
Testing is accessible nationwide, with local options in Winstonville, MS, making the process of hair follicle drug testing both convenient and efficient for all clients.
Simplicity and Confidentiality define our process in Winstonville, MS. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures user ease and privacy.
Private and User-Friendly: Our hair follicle testing process ensures confidentiality, with simple steps that make the entire experience stress-free for individuals and employers alike.
Competitive Pricing is key for our services in Winstonville, MS. We ensure hair follicle testing is accessible, offering great value alongside swift turnaround times.
Our affordable pricing structures in Winstonville, MS, coupled with fast reporting, provide an excellent choice for businesses seeking cost-effective drug testing solutions.
Precision and Speed are what set hair follicle drug testing apart in Winstonville, MS. With high accuracy in detecting substances, these tests ensure fast and reliable results.
Hair follicle tests excel in detecting a wide range of substances accurately. This testing method delivers quick outcomes without compromising on precision.
Ensuring Compliance is effortless with hair follicle testing in Winstonville, MS. These tests support drug-free workplaces by offering a reliable compliance mechanism.
Employers find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety through assured compliance with stringent drug policies.
