Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the hair strand fibers, hair provides a retrospective view on alcohol and drug usage. When cut close to the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug exposure. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory framework. This involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any ancillary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an introductory swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug utilization in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples precociously positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex procedure to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation in the laboratory process 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: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brumley, MO
This superior detection capability and reliability make hair tests the preferred choice, especially with the need for stringent drug use monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Brumley, MO opens a broader window into a subject’s activity, as hair follicle tests can detect substance use for up to 90 days.
Providing a lengthy detection period, these tests enable employers to gain a fuller understanding of an employee’s substance history, which isn't possible with shorter-term detection methods like urine tests.
In Brumley, MO, hair follicle testing as a tamper-resistant method significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration.
Employing techniques to ensure a secure and controlled testing process, hair follicle tests provide unquestionable results, making attempts at test manipulation practically impossible.
Nationwide and Local Locations in Brumley, MO offer incredible convenience, with numerous testing sites that ensure easy access to services.
Our extensive network of testing centers minimizes travel time and hassle, providing quick and hassle-free testing solutions for all needing efficient service.
Enjoy a simple and confidential process in Brumley, MO, ensuring that testing is both easy and private.
Our procedures are designed to streamline your experience, from ordering the test to receiving results, addressing any privacy concerns you may have and making the journey seamless.
In Brumley, MO, benefit from our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, which deliver excellent value to businesses of all sizes.
In Brumley, MO, hair follicle tests guarantee quick, accurate, and reliable results. These tests have an impressive ability to identify substance use efficiently, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and precise for any organization or individual seeking clarity and confirmation.
The precision of hair testing is unmatched, providing a comprehensive account of substance use. This higher level of accuracy makes it a preferred option for those who cannot compromise on the quality and speed of drug test outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brumley, MO is assured with hair follicle testing, helping to comply with workplace drug-free mandates and mitigate legal risks.
This testing not only promotes safety but also reinforces the company’s commitment to a drug-free environment, giving peace of mind to both employers and employees.
