Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records long-term data on alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the hair strands as they grow. Collected near the root, hair can reveal up to a 3-month span of drug and alcohol intake. It's easy to collect, rather tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) taken nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verifying purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it pertains specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Summary
The primary steps in a lab processing a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Verification.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is integrated into the lab’s workflow. It involves validating that the sample has been correctly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any further data entry not covered by an electronic documentation system.
Screening serves as the initial rapid assessment for drugs. Though Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage in most cases, a positive Screening result demands further verification to be legally binding. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening undergo an additional confirmation.
When a sample tests positive during the Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. This stage involves drug extraction at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternatives (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug analysis a challenging method to conduct.
Verification of a positive screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples marked as positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Verification is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation towards ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug screening:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle itself.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Bull Creek, MO residents and organizations find hair testing superior due to its reliable detection over traditional urine tests. With a longer detection period and fewer opportunities for adulteration, hair testing provides an edge in monitoring past drug usage, ensuring accuracy and dependability in the results obtained.
Extended Detection Window
In Bull Creek, MO, hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers a thorough view of an individual's substance history. Compared to other testing methods, hair analysis gives a more comprehensive picture, aiding critical decisions regarding employment or legal proceedings.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Bull Creek, MO, effectively minimize the chances of tampering with samples. Offering a reliable and nearly foolproof method, these tests ensure that results are genuine and verifiable, significantly reducing deceit and enhancing trust in the testing process, making them a preferred choice for employers and courts alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our network of testing centers in Bull Creek, MO, and across the nation ensures that accessing drug testing services is simple and convenient. With strategically located facilities, individuals and companies can enjoy quick and hassle-free testing experiences, contributing to the ease and efficiency of maintaining drug-free compliance.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Bull Creek, MO, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, our procedures ensure privacy and ease, addressing any concerns over personal information. This simplicity reduces barriers, encouraging more frequent and reliable drug testing practices.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Organizations in Bull Creek, MO benefit from our competitive pricing structures and quick result turnaround. Providing excellent value, the hair follicle tests serve companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective solutions with efficient processing times to meet the demands of employers looking for dependable testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Bull Creek, MO, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. Known for their high accuracy, these tests can effectively detect substance use with reliable results. Their quick processing times ensure that individuals and organizations receive fast feedback, enabling timely decisions and actions based on the test outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
For employers in Bull Creek, MO, hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free policies in the workplace. By enhancing workplace safety and minimizing legal risks, it offers peace of mind, ensuring compliance with necessary regulations and maintaining a healthy and productive environment for all employees.
