Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a chronological record of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp can yield 100mg, the preferred amount for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional, and/or extended panel tests above 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. When speaking of head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair signifies all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is processed into a laboratory’s framework. This stage involves ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient strategy for excluding drug usage across most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples that appear positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is taken from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive Screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptively positive samples are cleaned as required. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand above the scalp, not the follicle below.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chase, MI
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests, revealing drug use patterns over a 90-day period. In comparison to urine tests, hair analyses are more difficult to tamper with, resulting in higher reliability and confidence in the results. As such, many employers in Chase, MI, favor hair testing for its thorough detection capabilities and precision.
Extended Detection Window in Chase, MI
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, capturing drug use over a 90-day timeframe, offering employers in Chase, MI a comprehensive view of an applicant's substance use history. This allows for more informed decision-making regarding hiring or continued employment, ensuring a safer and more productive workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chase, MI
The hair follicle testing process significantly decreases the likelihood of sample adulteration, providing dependable and undeniable results. This testing method offers peace of mind to employers in Chase, MI, ensuring that any attempts at sample tampering are effectively discouraged, thereby maintaining the integrity of the testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chase, MI
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including those local to Chase, MI, ensures ease of access for hair follicle testing services. This wide range of locations facilitates prompt, straightforward, and hassle-free testing experiences, streamlining the process for both employers and individuals seeking reliable testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Chase, MI
The process for getting a hair follicle test is both simple and confidential. Chase, MI residents can order, undergo, and receive results with privacy and ease in mind, addressing common concerns about confidentiality and convenience. This straightforward approach encourages confidence in both the testing method and its outcomes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chase, MI
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses of all sizes in Chase, MI. This combination offers excellent value, ensuring that organizations can benefit from timely, budget-friendly testing solutions that do not compromise on quality or effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chase, MI
Hair follicle drug testing provides swift and precise results, delivering high accuracy in substance detection. This method ensures that employers and individuals receive quick feedback, integrating both speed and reliability. By utilizing hair testing in Chase, MI, organizations benefit from a rigorous analysis that guarantees top-tier detection and reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chase, MI
Hair follicle testing assists in maintaining adherence to workplace drug policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a drug-free environment. For employers in Chase, MI, this type of testing provides peace of mind, ensuring comprehensive compliance and enhancing overall workplace safety through reliable substance use detection.