Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to mail.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's beneficial to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Here, head hair denotes only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the first processing phase when a sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This step includes confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering supplementary data not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-effective solution to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive finding must be confirmed for court acceptance. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from the hair at a concentration level much lower than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is most challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that presumptively tested positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin
In Calverton Park, MO, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests due to superior accuracy and reliability. Hair testing offers benefits over urine testing.
Employers in Calverton Park, MO, benefit from hair follicle tests due to their extended detection capabilities. Hair screening offers a comprehensive look at an individual's substance history.
Hair follicle testing in Calverton Park, MO, effectively mitigates sample tampering risks, assuring reliable results.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including Calverton Park, MO, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been easier.
In Calverton Park, MO, ordering a hair follicle test is straightforward and privacy-conscious. The process is designed for ease of use.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times characterize hair follicle testing services in Calverton Park, MO, offering great value to businesses of all sizes.
Hair follicle drug testing in Calverton Park, MO, stands out for its precision, speed, and reliability. Its high accuracy makes it a preferred method for those seeking trustworthy substance detection.
Employers in Calverton Park, MO, gain peace of mind using hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks.
