Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When a hair sample is taken near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for initial analysis and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If there is no scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively, while body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab procedures for determining a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's database. This step ensures the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional required data entry lacking from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally permissible. Any samples that test positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair in much lesser concentrations compared to alternatives like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug analysis one of the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing options in Brentwood, MO, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Hair testing detects a broader range of substances and offers more reliable results.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests provide a more comprehensive overview, thanks to their ability to identify substance use over an extended period. This makes them invaluable for employers seeking accurate and trustworthy evidence of drug use.
In Brentwood, MO, the hair follicle testing method offers an extended detection window, enabling it to trace substance use up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough view of an individual's substance history.
Unlike other methods, hair tests capture a broader time frame, making them invaluable for companies aiming for a detailed understanding of an applicant or employee's long-term behavior concerning substances.
Hair follicle testing in Brentwood, MO, is known for its tamper-resistant approach, effectively reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This assures results that employers and individuals can trust without doubt.
The secure nature of hair tests means they bring an unparalleled level of certainty, allowing organizations to make decisions based on reliable and unquestionable outcomes.
Brentwood, MO, boasts the convenience of nationwide testing centers, offering both local and nationwide locations for easy access. Individuals and employers can swiftly obtain testing services with minimal hassle.
These centers provide rapid testing opportunities, ensuring that those in need can conveniently address concerns of drug and alcohol testing with ease and efficiency.
In Brentwood, MO, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Ordering a test, undergoing the procedure, and receiving results is streamlined, prioritizing user privacy.
This confidential approach allows individuals to engage in testing without concern for privacy breaches, maintaining discretion and reassuring those involved in the testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing in Brentwood, MO, offers affordable pricing for hair follicle tests without compromising quality. Our cost-effective solutions cater to businesses of varying sizes, ensuring excellent value.
Moreover, clients benefit from fast turnaround times, receiving results swiftly. This combination of competitive pricing and prompt reporting enhances the overall client experience, making it an appealing choice for many.
For those in Brentwood, MO, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed when providing results. Unlike some other testing methods, they deliver highly accurate results, effectively detecting substance use without delay.
The efficiency of hair tests ensures rapid results, allowing both employers and individuals to make informed decisions swiftly. In contrast to slower methods, hair follicle testing guarantees timely and reliable outcomes.
Employers in Brentwood, MO, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. This not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances overall safety.
By adopting hair tests, businesses promote a safer work environment, reinforcing a culture of safety and integrity. This approach leads to peace of mind for employers and employees alike.
