Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a significant resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a time-extended record for alcohol and drug use by securing biomarkers in the fiber of the developing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of around 200 strands of hair (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When speaking of head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps involved in the lab handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the first handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This comprises confirming that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that appear positive in Screening do need further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (for example, urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is the most complex method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive screen samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is checked under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle and urine tests in Cobalt, MO, hair testing stands out due to its improved detection accuracy. While urine tests identify recent drug use, hair tests offer a broader detection window, making them more reliable for spotting long-term substance use. As such, they provide a clearer and more consistent picture of an individual's drug history.
Offering superior detection abilities in Cobalt, MO, hair follicle testing reveals drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days in most cases. This duration allows employers to gain a full understanding of an applicant or employee's history with drugs. Employers seeking a comprehensive view benefit from this longer detection window.
In Cobalt, MO, hair follicle testing is widely recognized as a tamper-resistant method. This test minimizes the possibility of sample tampering, offering reliable and trustworthy results. Such security provides peace of mind, ensuring the integrity of the testing process and the validity of the outcomes.
With numerous locations, including in Cobalt, MO, our vast network of testing centers makes drug testing convenient and accessible. Our nationwide presence ensures that whether local or elsewhere, individuals can access our services swiftly, ensuring a smooth experience every time.
In Cobalt, MO, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. Ordering tests, providing samples, and receiving results are straightforward steps guaranteed to protect participant privacy. This ensures an easy-to-use service without compromising on confidentiality.
Offering competitive pricing and quick results, our hair follicle testing in Cobalt, MO, ensures fast yet affordable service. With a quick turnaround, companies of all sizes can benefit from optimal value, knowing they receive cost-effective and timely service in every instance.
In Cobalt, MO, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, precise, and trustworthy results. The accuracy of such tests makes them highly effective for identifying substance use. This test offers employers and individuals peace of mind due to its effective detection capabilities, leaving little doubt about the presence of drugs.
For employers in Cobalt, MO, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces the risk of legal issues and enhances workplace safety, providing both security and peace of mind to employers. Implementing this testing method reflects a commitment to a drug-free environment.
