Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward to gather, somewhat hard to alter, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch portion made up of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, a matching amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary check for drug abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that are initially positive in Screening need a secondary verification.
If a sample is initially positive at the Screening stage, extra hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are harvested from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positive results are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is appraised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Altenburg, MO lies in superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a much longer detection window compared to urine tests. This extended detection capability provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history and aids in making more informed employment decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Altenburg, MO allows employers to see a more complete history of substance use. Hair follicle testing detects usage over a span of up to 90 days, offering insights that are not possible with other methods. This long-term detection capability is vital for assessing an applicant's or employee's past behavioral patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Altenburg, MO highlights the robust nature of hair follicle tests. These tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, providing unquestionably reliable results. The integrity of the testing process is maintained, eliminating the common pitfalls faced with other screening techniques.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Altenburg, MO streamline the testing process for everyone. Our extensive network of centers makes it easy to access testing services without hassle. This wide reach ensures that testing is available and straightforward, aiding individuals and employers in staying compliant.
Simple, Confidential Process in Altenburg, MO ensures a straightforward experience from start to finish. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are managed with privacy and ease of use in mind. Concerns regarding confidentiality are thoroughly addressed, providing a stress-free testing experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Altenburg, MO assure businesses of all sizes of exceptional value. Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times highlight our commitment to offering cost-effective, high-quality services that deliver quick results without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Altenburg, MO provide unparalleled precision when detecting substances. Hair follicle tests offer high accuracy levels, ensuring substance use is reliably detected. With swift processing, these tests deliver quick and dependable outcomes, meeting strict timelines and maintaining stringent standards.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Altenburg, MO are ensured through hair follicle testing. By using these tests, companies can confidently maintain workplace drug-free policies, reduce legal liabilities, and promote a safer work environment. The reliance on hair testing underscores their commitment to thorough and responsible business practices.
