Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust mechanism to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A specimen consisting of a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and corroboration. For EtG, add-ons, or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample is appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laborary Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra details not included in an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening is a swift initial method to detect substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in the vast majority of samples, a positive screen result must be substantiated for court validity. Samples indicated as presumptively positive via Screening necessitate additional confirmation procedures.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair in much finer concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most intricate method to execute.
Any positive screen result is verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before the confirmation process as required. Every aspect of the laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is supervised under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the scalp’s hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Allendale, MO
In Allendale, Missouri, hair follicle tests offer unmatched detection capability that surpasses traditional urine tests. These tests not only detect drugs over an extended period but also provide more reliable and consistent results, which are virtually cheat-proof. Employers can trust these results for ensuring adherence to workplace policies.
This type of testing is thus preferred by those enforcing zero-tolerance policies due to its robustness and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Allendale, MO
The allure of hair follicle testing in Allendale, Missouri lies in its extended detection period for drug use, spanning up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive analysis of a potential or current employee’s substance use history, offering insights that shorter-term tests like urine samples cannot provide.
Employers lean on this testing method for its ability to reveal long-term patterns of drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Allendale, MO
Hair follicle tests in Allendale, Missouri showcase a remarkable tamper-resistant capability, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration significantly. This method provides reliable and unquestionable results, assuring entities of the test's integrity and accuracy, and helping institutions maintain their drug-free policies with confidence.
By virtually eliminating cheating, they ensure authenticity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Allendale, MO
Accessing testing services in Allendale, Missouri is a breeze, thanks to our nationwide network of centers. Our conveniently located facilities guarantee fast, hassle-free testing access within major urban centers, thus ensuring that conducting tests is never a logistical challenge, no matter your location.
We bridge the gap between need and service efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Allendale, MO
In Allendale, Missouri, ordering and taking hair follicle tests is a simple and confidential process. Our seamless system ensures privacy at every stage, from the order to the receipt of results. Clients can rest assured about their data’s confidentiality while enjoying a hassle-free testing experience.
The ease of use addresses any concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Allendale, MO
In Allendale, Missouri, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, coupled with fast turnaround times. Our cost-effective pricing structures are designed to deliver excellent value to businesses of every size, ensuring service quality is never sacrificed for affordability.
Efficient and economical services bring peace of mind for all clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Allendale, MO
In Allendale, Missouri, hair follicle tests offer superior precision and speed, delivering accurate results swiftly. Unlike other methods, they ensure high levels of accuracy in detecting substance use, thereby reducing the chances of errors in results and helping maintain a drug-free environment efficiently.
The swiftness and precision of these tests make them stand out, equipping authorities with necessary information to make informed decisions rapidly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Allendale, MO
For employers in Allendale, Missouri, hair follicle testing offers compliance assurance with workplace drug-free mandates. This method not only supports legal adherence but also promotes workplace safety by minimizing drug-related incidents, providing peace of mind with its effective results.
Upholding a drug-free policy becomes simpler through this fail-safe testing approach.