Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive historical record. Biomarkers get embedded in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, providing insights into long-term use. Hair collected close to the scalp can potentially reveal drug and alcohol use within the previous three months. Its collection is straightforward, it's somewhat resistant to tampering, and it can be easily sent for testing.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides an ideal 100mg sample for both screening and confirmation. If EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels are required, 150mg of the specimen is recommended. Use a jeweler's scale for precise specimen measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal amount of body hair may be utilized. When we mention head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial, axillary, and more.
Process Overview
The laboratory processes a drug test result in four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating the sample into a lab's system, which includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment were properly conducted, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for illicit drug presence. Although Screening offers a cost-effective means to identify drug use in most samples, a confirmation is necessary for any positive screen to be legally upheld. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
For samples that test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methodologies, such as urine or oral fluid tests, making hair drug screening a complex procedure.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation, presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. This entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP's (College of American Pathologists) standards for Hair designation and is also accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand instead of the scalp-located hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in California, MO
Hair testing offers superior detection over traditional urine tests, as it provides greater accuracy and reliability. Urine tests are more susceptible to manipulation, whereas hair tests deliver consistent and robust results, making them a preferred choice for many employers and agencies looking for effective drug use detection methods.
Extended Detection Window in California, MO
The primary advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This gives employers a complete view of an individual's substance use history, allowing for informed decision-making regarding employment or rehabilitation in California, MO.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in California, MO
Hair follicle tests offer a robust approach to drug testing by significantly diminishing the possibility of sample tampering. Their inherent design ensures reliable results that are difficult to falsify, making them a trustworthy choice for authorized testing scenarios in California, MO.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in California, MO
Our extensive network of testing centers provides seamless and convenient access to drug testing services in California, MO, and nationwide. Fast and hassle-free, our locations ensure that both individuals and businesses can quickly meet their testing needs with minimal disruption.
Simple, Confidential Process in California, MO
Hair follicle testing offers a straightforward and confidential process that respects privacy concerns. From ordering to test-taking and receiving results, the process is designed to be user-friendly and discrete, reassuring those in California, MO of their privacy and ease of access.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in California, MO
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing provides excellent value for organizations of all sizes. With prompt results and affordable rates, businesses are assured of quality service without financial strain in California, MO.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in California, MO
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in detecting substance use sets them apart in California, MO. With high accuracy rates, these tests swiftly identify drug usage, ensuring detailed and trustworthy reports. Their speed and reliability offer peace of mind to all involved, making them an excellent choice for thorough and precise testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in California, MO
Employing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal risks. By choosing this method, employers secure a safe working environment, fostering peace of mind and enhancing overall workplace safety in California, MO.
