Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol involvement. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair fiber. When sourced near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easy to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accurately weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be utilized. When we mention head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial sample processing into a lab's system. It includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening effectively rules out drug use for most samples at a lower cost, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal situations. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening demand subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in White Pine, MI, the former stands out for its superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests analyze a longer timeline of drug usage, detecting substances up to 90 days back, unlike urine tests that cover only recent use. This method gives employers a more comprehensive perspective of an individual's history, enhancing recruitment decisions and ensuring the safety of the workplace.
Hair follicle testing, accessible in White Pine, MI, offers an extensive detection window, reaching as far back as 90 days. This allows employers a thorough understanding of a candidate's or employee's drug history. Through this method, businesses can make informed decisions by reviewing a more prolonged evaluation period, unlike traditional tests that provide a more limited history, reinforcing the test's substantial benefits.
For those concerned about sample tampering, hair follicle tests in White Pine, MI, present a reliable solution. Unlike urine tests, which may be tampered with or substituted, hair tests are nearly impossible to adulterate. This method provides trustworthy and unequivocal results, thus granting both employers and testing agencies confidence and peace of mind in the drug testing process.
With extensive testing locations both nationwide and in White Pine, MI, our services deliver unmatched convenience. Offering easy access, our centers ensure quick, stress-free experiences for those needing drug testing. Whether in major cities or local areas, we provide comprehensive and reliable services, making the process as smooth as possible for all our clients.
In White Pine, MI, our hair follicle testing offers a simple and confidential process. The straightforward procedures ensure privacy and ease for clients during ordering, taking, and receiving results. We address privacy concerns by maintaining confidentiality at every step, making drug testing not just effective but also considerate of individual comfort and security.
Our hair follicle testing in White Pine, MI, combines affordable pricing with fast turnarounds. We tailor our services to fit various company budgets without sacrificing quality, ensuring timely results. This approach not only offers remarkable value but also caters to businesses of differing scales, delivering peace of mind with financial efficiency in mind.
In White Pine, MI, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. By utilizing this method, one ensures not only rapid diagnostics but also unmatched accuracy, which is essential for detecting substance use effectively. These tests are especially beneficial for employers who require reliable results to maintain a safe and compliant work environment, demonstrating their value in various situations.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in White Pine, MI, offers employers compliance with their drug-free workplace standards. By implementing this strategy, companies reduce legal liabilities and ensure a safer working environment. The hair tests provide a dependable measure to uphold policies effectively, delivering peace of mind to businesses striving for a secure and regulated workspace.
