Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term traces of substances by embedding markers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to 3 months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is convenient.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The drug test analysis in a lab is divided into four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary introduction of a specimen into a lab's system. It verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use for most specimens, confirmation of a positive result is necessary for legal validation. Specimens with presumptive positive results during Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests preliminary positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting substances at much lower concentrations from hair compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening is among the most complex methods.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples takes place before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests," the testing analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Caledonia, MI Hair testing tends to surpass urine tests in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests remain common, hair tests provide superior insights into long-term substance use, allowing employers and authorities to make more informed decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Caledonia, MI One of the primary benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This extended timeframe offers employers a more complete picture of a person's substance use history, which can be crucial for hiring or monitoring employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Caledonia, MI Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the likelihood of tampering. The nature of the test ensures that the results are reliable and difficult to dispute, providing peace of mind to those who require an accurate assessment of drug use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Caledonia, MI With numerous testing centers nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing offers easy and stress-free access to testing services, ensuring that clients in Caledonia, MI, and beyond can conveniently fulfill their testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Caledonia, MI The process for conducting hair follicle tests is both straightforward and private. From ordering to obtaining results, clients experience a seamless process, which prioritizes their privacy and convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Caledonia, MI We offer competitive pricing with rapid result turnaround times. This provides excellent value and ensures that businesses, regardless of size, can benefit from high-quality drug testing services without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Caledonia, MI Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swiftness. The accuracy in detecting substance use is unmatched, ensuring that results are reliable and rapid. This makes them an indispensable tool for employers and legal entities needing quick, dependable answers.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Caledonia, MI Adopting hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal risks. This ensures compliance and fosters a safer work environment, which is beneficial for both the workforce and the company.
