Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage by securing biomarkers within the strands. When sourced near the scalp, the hair offers an approximate three-month timeframe for detecting both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent measure of body hair can be collected. When addressing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in processing a drug test result within a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a specimen within a lab’s system. This process involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive result needs confirmation for it to be viable in legal proceedings. Specimens presumed positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation procedure.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at concentrations much lower than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening one of the most intricate procedures.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicated as presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Bolckow, MO, the advantages are clear. Hair testing excels in detection accuracy and reliability. Its extended detection window surpasses that of urine tests, capturing a longer history of substance use, thus providing superior insights for employers and agencies committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
In Bolckow, MO, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window that covers up to 90 days of drug use history. This long-term perspective allows employers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use, facilitating informed hiring and employment decisions by revealing patterns that shorter tests might miss.
Hair follicle tests in Bolckow, MO, are known for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike some methods susceptible to manipulation, hair tests are significantly more secure and provide reliable results. The testing method reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring that outcomes are genuine and trustworthy, giving employers and agencies confidence in their findings.
With nationwide testing locations and local centers in Bolckow, MO, accessing our services is both convenient and efficient. Our widespread network ensures you receive quick and hassle-free testing, providing flexibility and ease in meeting both individual and organizational drug testing needs, no matter where you are.
In Bolckow, MO, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to protect your privacy and ensure ease of use. Our streamlined approach addresses any concerns, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience.
Bolckow, MO, benefits from our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. We offer competitive rate structures without compromising on the quality of our services, providing exceptional value that supports companies of all sizes in their commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
In Bolckow, MO, hair follicle drug tests shine with their precision and speed. Designed to deliver swift and highly accurate results, these tests stand out in identifying substance use. The meticulous process ensures reliable outcomes in a timely manner, meeting the demands of fast-paced environments and offering trustworthy data for decision making.
Employers in Bolckow, MO, can achieve peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting safety. By implementing these reliable screening procedures, organizations can better protect their operations and reputation, fostering a secure and productive working environment.