Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month period of detection for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be obtained. Head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps involved in the processing of a drug test in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system, confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, along with completing any other data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a pre-test to identify drugs of misuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive result must be verified to be valid in court. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For samples tentatively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a reduced concentration compared to other methods (example, urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Burgess, MO
Hair follicle testing offers advantages over urine tests, showcasing superior detection accuracy and consistency. With a broader detection window and reduced risk of sample tampering, hair tests in Burgess are the preferred method for those who need reliable results. The testing method captures a comprehensive substance use history, highlighting its benefits over traditional methods.
Extended Detection Window in Burgess, MO
Hair follicle tests in Burgess, MO, are renowned for their extended detection period, spanning up to 90 days. This gives employers valuable insights into an individual's prolonged substance use history, aiding in assessing consistent behavior over time. With this extended window, hair tests provide a thorough view, essential for accurate evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Burgess, MO
Hair follicle testing stands out in Burgess, MO, for significantly minimizing the chances of sample tampering. With its robust method of collection and analysis, it instills confidence by delivering reliable and unquestionable results. This ensures fairness and objectivity in all drug-testing scenarios, safeguarding against manipulation.
Convenient Testing Locations in Burgess, MO
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including Burgess, MO, accessing hair follicle testing has never been easier. Our nationwide network ensures quick and seamless access to testing services, allowing individuals and employers to find local centers without hassle and delay, enhancing the overall testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Burgess, MO
Our hair follicle testing process in Burgess, MO, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures the privacy of individuals. The streamlined approach guarantees ease of use, addressing concerns about personal data protection while delivering dependable outcomes efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Burgess, MO
In Burgess, MO, we pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times with our hair follicle testing services. Recognizing the need for budget-friendly solutions, we provide excellent value without compromising on quality, meeting the diverse needs of businesses of every scale.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Burgess, MO
Hair follicle drug testing has set new standards in Burgess, MO, providing swift and precise results. Its accuracy in detecting substance use is unmatched, ensuring high reliability of test findings. By analyzing hair samples, testing centers deliver top-notch certainty and clarity in drug use detection, allowing for informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Burgess, MO
Employers in Burgess, MO, benefit from the peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing, enhancing compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and promotes a safer work environment. Hair tests provide the assurance needed for decision-makers, ensuring a dedicated and compliant workforce.
