Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Laclede, MO

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture biomarkers within the strands as they grow, offering a long-term record of these substances. If cut close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and related substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is quite challenging, and it is easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample, roughly equating to 200 hairs (akin to the width of a #2 pencil), from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for testing and corroboration. For testing EtG, additional panels, or for tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four main stages in the lab processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample into the lab's system. This includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary, cost-effective method for identifying drugs of abuse and excluding drug use in the majority of samples. However, for legal credibility, positive screens must be confirmed. Presumptive positives require further confirmation testing.

For samples suspected of positivity in Screening, additional hair is separated from the original collection and prepared for Extraction. This step isolates drugs at considerably lower concentrations than other testing techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.

Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation with either GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Hard to tamper: The process affords a high degree of result accuracy due to the difficulty in adulterating hair samples.
• Historical data provision: It delivers a usage pattern over time, surpassing merely recent intake.

Drawbacks:

• Non-detection of recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug screening generally costs more than alternate testing methods.
• Variability in outcomes: Elements like hair color and individual growth rates may influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Laclede, MO: Hair tests outshine traditional urine tests by offering a longer detection timeline and enhanced result accuracy.

With a hair drug test, a wide detection period compresses the risk window compared to urine tests, which quickly dismiss drug traces.

Extended Detection Window

The Extended Detection Window provided by hair follicle testing in Laclede, MO, reaches up to 90 days, a factor that sets it apart.

For employers, this means acquiring a detailed view of an employee’s substance use across several months, unlike urine-based tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Laclede, MO, Tamper-Resistant Testing shields against sample manipulation. A significant edge of hair follicle tests over urine testing is their resilience to tampering.

The restrictive protocols and intricate methodologies make circumventing the system almost impossible.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Discover Convenient Nationwide and Local Locations in Laclede, MO, making drug testing easily accessible.

Our extensive network of testing centers ensures smooth access, minimizing hassle during the process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process for Drug Testing in Laclede, MO ensures privacy and ease at every step.

From scheduling to receiving results, the process is designed to prioritize confidentiality and client convenience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Laclede, MO, our Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround make hair follicle testing an economical choice.

We offer competitive rates with rapid processing times, balancing quality service with cost-efficiency for organizations of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Laclede, MO guarantee confidence with every test. The precision inherent in hair follicle testing stands unmatched, ensuring that substance usage is detected with remarkable accuracy.

The swiftness and reliability of hair drug testing cater well to the urgent needs of businesses and individuals alike, affirming its superiority.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind are key for Employers that utilize hair follicle testing in Laclede, MO.

• Ensure adherence to drug-free policies
• Mitigate workplace risks
• Elevate safety standards

Using hair tests fosters a more secure and healthy work environment.

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