Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Columbia, MO

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, hair offers a detection window of around three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A hair segment of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is perfect for both screening and validation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If there is no scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for drug test results includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning denotes the initial stage of incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process checks that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs a rapid preliminary check for substance use. Even though it is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in many samples, any positive findings in Screening require confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening require secondary validation.

Should a sample be provisionally positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging.

Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All provisional positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, contrary to urine tests that have a briefer detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, making outcomes more reliable.
• Historical usage data: This method reveals a drug usage pattern over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of recent use detection: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than alternative methods.
• Variable results: Factors such as hair color and personal variances in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the test scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine tests in Columbia, MO? It's simple: superior detection accuracy. While urine tests can reveal recent drug use, hair tests can identify substance use over the previous 90 days, offering a more comprehensive picture. Employers benefit from this clear-cut advantage.

With undeniable precision, hair testing recurrently proves its worth, especially in stringent policy environments. This robust method eliminates the variability found in urine tests, making it a reliable choice for thorough screenings.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Columbia, MO, offer extended detection windows, tracing drug usage for up to 90 days. This capacity surpasses other drug tests, providing employers with a detailed overview of an individual's history and patterns. The comprehensive view aids in crafting informed employment decisions.

Relying on hair testing means accessing an extended evaluation period, which is especially beneficial for long-term assessments. It's a crucial tool for understanding candidates' or employees' substance use history beyond the immediate past.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Columbia, MO, hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage by lowering the likelihood of sample tampering. This secure testing method ensures the authenticity of results, providing an undeniable reflection of an individual's substance use history.

Due to the nature of hair testing, attempts to adulterate samples are greatly minimized. This reliability factor solidifies its status as a trusted option for genuine and unassailable results, critical for maintaining trust in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Benefit from the convenience of nationwide and local testing centers across Columbia, MO. Accredited Drug Testing makes it simple to access top-notch testing services swiftly, minimizing hassles for individuals and organizations requiring prompt evaluations.

Our extensive network ensures that no matter your location, you can avail of reliable testing services with ease, catering to a wide range of drug assessment needs to meet timely requirements.

Simple, Confidential Process

Columbia, MO offers a straightforward and confidential process with Accredited Drug Testing. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results is a seamless affair, maintaining discretion and usability for those concerned about privacy.

The process prioritizes ease and confidentiality, ensuring individuals feel secure. It's a hassle-free approach designed to promote accessibility while upholding users' privacy throughout each step of the testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Columbia, MO, emphasizes affordability without compromising quality. Our competitive pricing and swift results offer unmatched value for businesses of all scales, ensuring peace of mind with every testing experience.

We believe in transparent, budget-friendly services, providing rapid turnaround times that meet the urgent needs of companies. Cost-effective solutions paired with efficiency are our commitment to every client, fostering trust and satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Columbia, MO, hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid, dependable outcomes. Their precision surpasses other methods, making them a standout choice for detecting substances. Employers and institutions trust this method to discern accurate usage history, ensuring informed decisions.

With quick processing, hair tests offer remarkable accuracy. This speed and reliability assist in reducing downtime and uncertainty, providing timely results when they matter most. Columbia residents can rely on these tests for efficient employee or personal screenings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Columbia, MO, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance reduces legal risks and fosters a safer environment, where employees are reliably screened for drug use.

This testing method strengthens policy enforcement, providing employers with a solid foundation to manage workplace safety. By anticipating and mitigating risks, it safeguards organizations from potential complications linked to drug use.

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