Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective tool to determine alcohol and drug consumption. This method captures biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers, offering an extended history of substance use. When samples are collected near the scalp, they can reveal alcohol and drug use across approximately a 90-day period. This method is straightforward for collection, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A proper sample involves a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) situated nearest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. When scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The process to evaluate a drug test sample in the lab encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Initial sample processing into a lab system is addressed through Accessioning. This step verifies if the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any other data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary evaluation for drug presence. Though economical for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive outcome from Screening necessitates subsequent verification for judicial acceptability. Samples showing preliminary positives in Screening must undergo Confirmation.
Upon a preliminary positive detected in Screening, further hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods, such as those involving urine or oral fluid, justifying the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any Screening positives is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Preceding confirmation, presumptive positives are cleansed as necessary. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation falls under the scrutiny of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis involves the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle to urine testing in Stonewall, MS highlights superior detection and dependability. Hair tests detect drug use over a longer timeframe, offering a more comprehensive analysis. Compared to urine tests, they are less susceptible to falsification, presenting accurate, reliable results.
In Stonewall, MS, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers significant benefits. This type of test can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, providing a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. This is invaluable for employers seeking a complete understanding of an applicant or existing employee's behavior.
Hair follicle tests in Stonewall, MS, present a tamper-resistant method for drug screenings. These tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, delivering results that are both reliable and indisputable.
Accessibility is key for drug testing in Stonewall, MS, and Accredited Drug Testing excels by offering convenient nationwide and local centers. With locations readily available, testing services are easily accessible and hassle-free.
In Stonewall, MS, the simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing ensures privacy and ease of use. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are straightforward, reflecting a commitment to user-friendly procedures.
Stonewall, MS, benefits from affordable pricing and expedited turnaround for hair follicle tests. These cost-effective solutions are tailored to fit any budget, ensuring quick delivery of results.
Hair follicle drug tests in Stonewall, MS, offer unmatched efficiency and precision. These tests boast high accuracy, making them reliable for detecting various substances. Results are processed with remarkable speed, ensuring timely and dependable outcomes for individuals and employers.
In Stonewall, MS, hair follicle testing provides compliance and assurance for employers enforcing drug-free workplaces. This method supports adherence to workplace policies, reduces legal risks, and improves safety.
