Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Within the fibers of the actively growing hair shaft, biomarkers are retained, offering a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake. When strands are gathered close to the scalp, they can reveal substance use with a detection period extending up to roughly three months. Hair is straightforward to obtain, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields around 100mg of hair, which is deemed optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all remaining hair types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four key steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial phase involving the integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process checks that the sample is appropriately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial swift evaluation for drug misuse. Screening is a cost-effective tool to initially assess drug use among most samples. However, a confirmed positive screen is required for court admissibility, and any samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
When a sample indicates presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at notably lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging approach to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle embedded beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ashland, MO
Hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. While urine tests provide a snapshot of recent usage, hair testing delivers a broader detection window, enhancing accuracy and reliability. Residents in Ashland, MO, find hair testing more adaptable to various timeframes, offering a comprehensive approach that outperforms standard urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Ashland, MO
For employers in Ashland, MO keen on thoroughly understanding an employee's drug history, hair follicle testing is ideal. Capable of detecting drug use for up to 90 days, this method offers a significantly broader view compared to other methods. The extended window ensures a detailed understanding of substance use, assisting employers in making well-informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ashland, MO
Hair follicle tests are notably difficult to tamper with compared to their counterparts. Offering a resistant approach to test manipulation, Ashland, MO employers can rely on the authenticity of the results. The difficulty in altering hair samples presents an effective deterrent against adulteration, ensuring trustworthy and indisputable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ashland, MO
Accredited Drug Testing offers hassle-free testing services with locations nationwide, including the convenience of local sites in Ashland, MO. Quick and accessible testing options ensure employers and individuals can easily avail themselves of our services, reaping the benefits of efficiency and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ashland, MO
Understanding the need for privacy, the process of getting a hair follicle test at our Ashland, MO locations is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the entire process prioritizes ease of use and confidentiality, providing peace of mind to all who partake in our services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ashland, MO
At Accredited Drug Testing, we deliver quick and reliable results in Ashland, MO with competitive pricing. Companies of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective solutions, which ensures financial viability and expedient feedback, fostering a streamlined process and enhanced organizational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ashland, MO
Hair follicle drug tests offer a remarkable level of precision and speed in identifying substance use. The testing process ensures high accuracy, enabling professionals to detect even trace amounts of illicit substances effectively. Residents and businesses in Ashland, MO benefit from quick and reliable testing outcomes, making informed decisions based on trustworthy data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ashland, MO
With hair follicle testing, Ashland, MO employers can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety. Ensuring a workplace free of substance abuse issues brings peace of mind, knowing that policies are supported by reliable and comprehensive testing outcomes.
