Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become perceived as a formidable method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. The hair serves as a long-standing record of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer up to nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch snippet of roughly 200 strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for assessment and validation. For EtG modifications, and/or evaluations encompassing over 10 categories, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to gauge the sample with a jeweler's scale. If head hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab procedure for processing a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the introductory processing of a sample within a lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, giving it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug misuse. Though Screening is economical for eliminating drug use on most samples, any positive screen must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples that yield a presumptively positive result in Screening require further verification through secondary means.
If a sample shows a presumptively positive result in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations than in other tests (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging procedure to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle under the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Boschertown, MO
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy. The increased reliability ensures employers can trust the outcome, reducing the risk of false negatives or positives. In Boschertown, this added assurance makes hair testing the preferred choice for thorough and precise drug screening.
Extended Detection Window in Boschertown, MO
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. For employers in Boschertown, this extended window allows for a deeper understanding of long-term usage patterns, aiding in more informed decision-making regarding employment and workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Boschertown, MO
In Boschertown, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering compared to other methods. This robust testing ensures that results remain reliable and indisputable, crucial for environments with strict integrity standards and zero tolerance for drug use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Boschertown, MO
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a network of nationwide centers that ensures easy and convenient access for drug testing in Boschertown. With local facilities and a wide-reaching presence, getting tested is straightforward and hassle-free, reinforcing our commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Boschertown, MO
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. This ensures that privacy is maintained at each step while allowing users in Boschertown to navigate the testing process with ease, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Boschertown, MO
Accredited Drug Testing in Boschertown offers competitive pricing structures alongside fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. By providing excellent value, companies of all sizes can benefit from prompt results at accessible costs, enhancing overall peace of mind and operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Boschertown, MO
Hair follicle tests offer unparalleled precision and speed in detecting substance use, ensuring that results are both fast and incredibly accurate. The quick turnaround in Boschertown equips employers and individuals with timely and reliable information, vital in maintaining workplace safety and integrity.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Boschertown, MO
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows companies in Boschertown to uphold stringent drug-free policies. This method of testing supports regulatory compliance, reduces potential legal liabilities, and promotes a safe work environment, thereby providing peace of mind to employers who prioritize a drug-free workplace.
