Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended account of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can furnish up to a roughly three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample into the laboratory's framework. This step includes ensuring that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any further data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift evaluation for illicit substances. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for it to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need an additional confirmation step.
For samples found presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample and set up for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair, at a notably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug screenings are the most intricate method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alexandria, MO
The superior detection capabilities of hair follicle tests are evident when compared to urine tests. Hair testing provides a more extended detection window and is less susceptible to sample manipulation, allowing for a clearer, more accurate insight into an individual's substance history, thus proving its superiority over urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Alexandria, MO
Offering a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing gives employers an extensive view of an individual's drug use history. This extended period is significantly longer than that of urine tests, making hair tests more effective for thorough screenings, providing comprehensive substance profiles.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alexandria, MO
Hair follicle tests are designed to significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy results. Their inherent resistance to adulteration makes them a dependable option for drug testing, providing credible outcomes that organizations can rely on to make informed decisions confidently.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Alexandria, MO
With a network of testing centers across the country, including Alexandria, MO, accessibility to testing services is seamless and convenient. Quick and hassle-free procedures boost efficiency and lend support to businesses looking for reliable drug testing across various locations nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Alexandria, MO
The process for engaging in hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects privacy. From the initial ordering to the reception of results, confidentiality is prioritized, offering individuals and organizations an uncomplicated, discreet procedure that instills trust and promotes ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alexandria, MO
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times ensure excellent value for businesses of all sizes. By providing cost-effective and efficient drug testing solutions, we serve to meet budgetary constraints without compromising on the quality or speed of service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alexandria, MO
Hair follicle drug tests guarantee swift, precise results, making them incredibly reliable for identifying substance use. Their high accuracy surpasses that of traditional methods, offering rapid turnaround times and ensuring peace of mind for organizations needing dependable testing outcomes efficiently and consistently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alexandria, MO
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. By providing reliable, accurate results, these tests ensure comprehensive compliance, granting organizations tranquility and security as they maintain a healthy working environment.
