Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair delivers a detection window of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is processed within a lab system. This process confirms proper sealing and transportation of the sample, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for controlled substances. It is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is identified as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pearl, MS
Hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. It provides a broader substance history overview not achievable with urine tests, making it the preferred choice for thorough drug screening.
Extended Detection Window in Pearl, MS
With an ability to detect substance use for up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, providing pivotal insights during the assessment of potential or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pearl, MS
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce sample adulteration risks, ensuring more reliable and unquestionable outcomes that strengthen the integrity of drug testing processes across varied contexts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pearl, MS
Our widespread network of testing centers enables quick and easy access to services, offering hassle-free testing experiences tailored for convenience across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pearl, MS
The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving results is simple and maintains strict confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a user-friendly experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pearl, MS
Our competitive pricing structures paired with fast turnaround times deliver exceptional value, catering to the needs of companies, ensuring cost-efficient and rapid results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pearl, MS
Hair follicle drug tests in Pearl offer unmatched precision and speed, delivering highly accurate detection of substance usage. These tests ensure fast turnaround times combined with authoritative reliability, ensuring peace of mind for all involved parties.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pearl, MS
Utilizing hair follicle testing promotes adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizes legal risks, and enhances safety—ultimately providing peace of mind for employers.
