Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record for substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When strands are taken near the scalp, they can offer around a three-month time frame for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, the same quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test evaluation encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a specimen into the lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry missing from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Any samples with presumed positive results from Screening require further confirmation.
For samples presumed positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is utilized for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging process to execute.
Verification of positive screening results is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to final confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, undergoes assessment according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why opt for hair follicle tests over urine samples in Chesapeake, MO? The superior accuracy and reliability of hair analyses set them apart. These tests offer enhanced detection, as hair retains drug markers longer than urine, pointing to not just recent but extended usage.
Unlike urine tests, hair analyses are less susceptible to tampering, making them a favored choice for comprehensive drug testing policies.
In Chesapeake, MO, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, far surpassing traditional methods. This broader timeline offers employers deeper insights into an individual's drug history.
By capturing a more extensive substance use record, employers can make informed decisions, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
Chesapeake, MO showcases the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing, which minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. The integrity of the sample collection process ensures that results are reliable and valid.
This method offers peace of mind to employers, as it limits ways to alter results, making it a trustworthy choice for substance use evaluations.
In Chesapeake, MO, our testing centers span nationwide, ensuring quick and convenient access to services. This broad network allows for hassle-free testing, catering to the needs of diverse populations and employers alike.
The extensive reach signifies our commitment to offering accessible screenings, wherever you are, whenever you need them.
The hair follicle testing process in Chesapeake, MO is both simple and confidential. Ordering tests, having them administered, and accessing results are streamlined procedures designed for ease and privacy.
Prioritizing confidentiality, this process is tailored to address privacy concerns, ensuring a stress-free experience for all clients.
Our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Chesapeake, MO make hair follicle testing accessible to businesses of all sizes. Competitive cost structures provide value, supporting swift decision making.
With this efficient approach, companies gain quick insights into the substance history of employees, enhancing operational planning.
In Chesapeake, MO, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision, offering fast and dependable results. Their ability to accurately detect substances within the hair matrix ensures confidence in identifying recent and past drug use.
The comprehensive analysis provides a reliable means to track employee or applicant drug habits, delivering detailed insights for decision-makers.
Hair follicle testing in Chesapeake, MO offers employers compliance and peace of mind, upholding workplace drug-free policies. This ensures reduced legal risks and contributes to optimized workplace safety.
By selecting hair analysis as a method of testing, employers affirm their commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
