Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is viewed as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a 90-day detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped properly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and covers any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Any samples with a presumptive positive result from Screening require an additional confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. At this point, drugs are drawn out from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Blairstown, MO
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are significant. While urine tests can only detect recent drug use, hair analyses offer visibility into long-term substance histories. This superior detection capability ensures that hair tests capture a broader scope of potential drug use, enhancing reliability.
Furthermore, the likelihood of sample tampering is notably reduced with hair testing. Its near-impossibility to cheat contrasts sharply with urine tests, where adulteration is relatively easy. For employers with zero-tolerance policies, this makes hair testing invaluable.
Extended Detection Window in Blairstown, MO
The hallmark of hair follicle testing is its expansive detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This extensive range provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, far beyond what a urine test could offer.
In Blairstown, MO, this method of detection is particularly beneficial for organizations aiming to enforce drug-free policies thoroughly. The prolonged detection period ensures any history of substance use is effectively captured, fostering a safer work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Blairstown, MO
Hair follicle tests inherently resist tampering, which is a discernible advantage over other drug testing methods. The difficulty in altering or replacing hair samples ensures the results' integrity, thereby establishing trust and validity in the findings.
This tamper-resistant characteristic is valuable for entities in Blairstown, MO, who require unequivocal and trustworthy substance detection results. Relying on this testing method significantly mitigates the risk of inaccurate reporting due to sample manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Blairstown, MO
Accredited Drug Testing makes access effortless with its extensive network of testing facilities, including local centers in Blairstown, MO. With nationwide reach, we offer seamless convenience for clients seeking swift and efficient testing services.
This extensive accessibility ensures that companies and individuals can initiate testing quickly, without the hassle of logistical obstacles, maintaining smooth and uninterrupted service delivery standards.
Simple, Confidential Process in Blairstown, MO
The process of obtaining, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be straightforward and private. Clients in Blairstown can rest assured that their privacy is rigorously protected throughout every step of the testing process.
Whether it's ordering a test or reviewing outcomes, we prioritize an easy-to-navigate process, all the while ensuring that client confidentiality is maintained at the forefront of our services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Blairstown, MO
Our hair follicle testing services are not only competitively priced but also structured to provide fast turnaround times. This balance of cost-effectiveness and rapid results delivers significant value, particularly for businesses managing a large workforce.
In Blairstown, MO, companies can depend on these efficient services to maintain operational continuity and make informed decisions promptly without straining their budgetary allocations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Blairstown, MO
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, making them a preferred choice when timely and accurate detection of substance use is essential. Their superior efficacy in identifying drug intake, coupled with quick results, provides stakeholders with the confidence needed for informed decisions.
Employers in Blairstown, MO, can rely on hair follicle testing to swiftly determine the presence of drugs, ensuring workplace safety remains uncompromised. The method's high accuracy reduces ambiguity, offering peace of mind through reliable data on employee substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Blairstown, MO
For employers striving for peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, hair follicle testing is a compelling choice. It helps reduce legal risk while ensuring a safer work atmosphere through the effective monitoring of substance use among employees.
Blairstown employers can leverage the reliability of hair prevention to meet compliance standards, asserting their commitment to a secure and health-conscious workplace, thereby upholding organizational integrity and stakeholder confidence.
