Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, retaining a historical record of use. When cut close to the skin, hair offers roughly a 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Its collection is straightforward, altering it is challenging, and it is easy to transport.
Cutting a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) close to the skin yields 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both screening and verification. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing. Should scalp hair not be present, an equivalent volume of body hair serves as an alternative. In discussions of head hair, scalp hair is implied. Body hair includes all other varieties (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
Processing a drug test sample in a lab involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation as core phases.
Accessioning is the sample’s incorporation into the lab’s system, ensuring it was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and inputting any other necessary information not available via an electronic custody chain.
Screening includes an initial basic assessment for abused drugs. While Screening can economically dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive result mandates further confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that are preliminarily positive must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a preliminary positive result emerge during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a minimal concentration level compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), explaining why hair drug testing is notably intricate.
Confirmation for positive screenings employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Necessary washing precedes confirmation for all preliminary positive samples. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process abides by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
In Grand Rapids, OH, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests. Its benefits include:
With an extended detection window, hair testing in Grand Rapids, OH gives a comprehensive account of drug use. Up to 90 days of detailed substance history can be uncovered, aiding employers in proper assessments of candidates and employees.
Comprehensive History: Captures long-term usage that cannot be seen in other drug testing methods.
Hair follicle tests in Grand Rapids, OH offer a tamper-resistant method, minimizing the risk of sample tampering. This ensures:
Grand Rapids, OH benefits from convenient testing locations nationwide, offering ease of access. Our centers ensure that the testing process is:
Experience a straightforward and confidential testing process in Grand Rapids, OH. Our approach guarantees:
Simplicity: Easy-to-follow instructions and quick procedures.
Confidentiality: Privacy is a top priority, ensuring your details remain secure throughout.
Grand Rapids, OH offers affordable pricing paired with fast processing times, providing top value. Regardless of your company's size:
Hair follicle drug testing in Grand Rapids, OH provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. The method boasts precision in detecting substance use, setting the standard for test accuracy.
High Accuracy: The tests are designed to identify drug traces more effectively than other methods.
Speed: Results are processed swiftly, offering convenience to both individuals and institutions.
Ensuring compliance in Grand Rapids, OH with hair testing, employers can maintain drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safe working environment.
Legal Compliance: Adhering to regulations and policies is enhanced through reliable hair testing.
Safety Assurance: By confirming sobriety, workplace safety is significantly bolstered.