Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a historical record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month history for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, less prone to falsification, and convenient to transport.
A standard collection involves a 1.5-inch length of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yielding 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For tests like EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair is missing, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair only pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory protocol for processing drug test samples encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial entry into the lab system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary, swift examination for drugs. Though a cost-efficient technique to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be validated for legal proceedings. Any Screening phase presumptive positives must undergo secondary confirmation.
For presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation in Extraction. At this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive screen is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo a wash prior to confirmation when necessary. The whole process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and aligns with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
For Mackinaw City, MI residents, hair follicle testing offers notable advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests afford greater accuracy and reliability, detecting longer-term substance use. Compared to the shorter detection window of urine tests, hair analysis provides an extended look into an individual's drug history.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Mackinaw City, MI is exceptional in its ability to detect substance use over an extensive period, often up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers a detailed assessment of an applicant's or employee's drug use, offering deeper insights into their history with substances.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Mackinaw City, MI, hair follicle tests dramatically reduce the chances of sample tampering. The method is highly resistant to adulteration, providing reliable and foolproof results. This assures employers and other stakeholders of the validity and accuracy of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Offering unmatched convenience, our testing centers nationwide, including Mackinaw City, MI, provide easy access to hair follicle testing. This network ensures hassle-free and quick testing, saving time and effort for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our straightforward and confidential process in Mackinaw City, MI makes ordering, taking, and receiving test results easy and private. We prioritize ease of use and confidentiality, addressing common privacy concerns while ensuring user-friendly experiences.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Mackinaw City, MI, our hair follicle testing services promise competitive pricing and rapid turnaround. We offer excellent value, peace of mind, and a cost-effective solution suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Mackinaw City, MI, hair follicle drug testing is known for its precision and speed. This method captures evidence of drug and alcohol use with high accuracy, providing quick results. The reliability of hair testing ensures employers and individuals can make informed decisions based on trustworthy data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
With hair follicle testing, employers in Mackinaw City, MI can ensure adherence to drug-free policies. This method not only minimizes legal risks but also bolsters workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers looking to maintain a secure and compliant environment.
