Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair records a comprehensive history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut near the scalp, these strands can indicate alcohol and drug presence for as long as three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A hair segment of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) at the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for initial and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, add-on services, and tests over 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring is advised. If scalp hair cannot be provided, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" covers all other types (face, underarms, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases of lab processing for drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab's system. This stage verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional information entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial swift examination for illicit substances. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be considered valid in legal proceedings. Any samples that test positive during Screening need to undergo additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a positive result in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample to undergo Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), which signifies why hair drug screenings are the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any initial positive result is conducted using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Center, MO
When comparing hair and urine tests, hair follicle testing emerges superior due to its unparalleled detection accuracy over longer periods. This is a crucial advantage for organizations committed to maintaining drug-free environments, as it offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history.
Hair tests surpass traditional urine tests in reliability, eliminating the common pitfalls of false negatives and sample tampering. By providing a clearer, more detailed snapshot of past drug use, hair follicle testing proves invaluable for employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals.
Extended Detection Window in Center, MO
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capturing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This feature empowers employers to make informed decisions by evaluating a candidate or employee's substance history comprehensively, ensuring alignment with their drug-free policies.
The lengthy detection period available with hair tests provides a significant advantage over shorter-term methods, offering a detailed picture of the individual's drug use timeline and helping organizations uphold stringent standards.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Center, MO
Hair follicle tests are a highly tamper-resistant method for drug testing, significantly cutting down the risk of sample adulteration. Their rigorous collection and analysis procedures ensure the authenticity of test outcomes, delivering trustworthy results that uphold the integrity of workplace testing practices.
This method secures results by essentially eliminating the risk of interference, providing peace of mind for employers and safeguarding against fraudulent test attempts, thus reinforcing the reliability of findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Center, MO
Our comprehensive network of testing centers across the nation and locally in Center, MO ensures hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services. This convenience ensures quick and efficient testing, without unnecessary travel or delays.
With facilities readily available nationwide, individuals and organizations can access our testing services easily, benefiting from the speed and convenience of our extensive network, ensuring smooth and seamless test administration.
Simple, Confidential Process in Center, MO
Our streamlined and confidential testing process ensures ease of use from ordering to receiving results. Ensuring privacy at every step, we offer a user-friendly approach that eliminates unnecessary complications, providing clients with peace of mind.
From initiation to completion, the process is designed to be transparent and protected, addressing privacy concerns effectively and guaranteeing that personal information remains secure at every stage.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Center, MO
We offer competitive pricing structures, making our hair follicle testing services cost-effective for companies of all sizes. Coupled with a quick turnaround time, businesses receive excellent value, allowing timely decision-making without budget strain.
Our cost-effective solutions do not compromise on quality or accuracy, providing organizations with reliable results quickly, ensuring that budgetary considerations are met along with high standards of drug testing efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Center, MO
Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering precise and swift results, making them a premium option for detecting substance use effectively. The high accuracy of these tests is attributed to their methodical analysis, providing trustworthy results that help maintain safety and compliance within organizations.
With state-of-the-art technology, these tests quickly determine even the smallest traces of substance use, ensuring no corners are cut. Businesses count on the rapid turnaround times and reliability, allowing them to make informed decisions without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Center, MO
Utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with stringent workplace drug policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety. This testing method assures organizations that their drug detection protocols are robust and defensible in legal contexts.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their efforts to maintain a drug-free environment are supported by a reliable and accurate testing process, reinforcing policies and contributing to a secure, compliant workplace setting.
