What it is, How it works

Hair examination has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extended record of alcohol and drug use by trapping biomarkers within their fibers as they grow. When hair near the scalp is collected, it provides a detection timeline of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to use a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, a proportional amount of body hair can be used. Scalp hair specifically refers to hair on the head, while body hair includes other types like facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The primary steps in laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning initiates with the entry of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and sent properly, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry if not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though it's an economical means of excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening must be confirmed for legal purposes. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is sourced from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a challenging procedure.

Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation if required. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection periods.
Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, ensuring more credible results.
Offers historical insight: It reveals a pattern of drug consumption over time, instead of just recent use.

Limitations:

Cannot catch recent use: A delay of about 5-7 days is needed for drugs to appear in hair.
Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than alternative drug testing methods.
Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite being described as "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Conception Junction, MO

Hair tests provide superior detection over urine tests, revealing up to 90 days of drug use history.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing resists tampering, offering unmatched accuracy and reliability.
Organizations benefit from its detailed reports, ensuring informed decisions about applicants or employees.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Conception Junction, MO

Hair follicle testing detects substance use over a prolonged period, up to three months, unlike shorter-term tests.
This extended window offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance habits over time.
The method equips managers with better information for evaluating long-term drug abstinence.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Conception Junction, MO

Hair follicle tests diminish the risk of sample tampering, providing trustworthy results.
Intrinsic to its design, the method makes altering results virtually impossible, safeguarding integrity.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing the results reflect genuine substance use history.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Conception Junction, MO

With numerous centers across the nation, accessing testing services becomes fast and straightforward.
Local availability in Conception Junction ensures minimal travel, saving time for individuals and organizations.
The seamless process supports busy schedules, enhancing ease of obtaining reliable testing results.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Conception Junction, MO

Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward, safeguarding confidentiality from order to results.
Discrete handling ensures privacy, addressing concerns about personal information exposure.
Ease of use is paramount, making the testing experience comfortable and stress-free for all parties.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Conception Junction, MO

We offer competitive pricing, ensuring value without sacrificing quality or speed of results.
Rapid turnaround times provide peace of mind, helping organizations make quick informed decisions.
These benefits cater to companies of all sizes, enhancing organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Conception Junction, MO

Precision and efficiency are key advantages of hair follicle testing. This method swiftly identifies substance use.
With its high accuracy, it ensures reliable detection, minimizing false negatives or positives, vital for organizational needs.
The quick results make it practical for timely decision-making in various contexts.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Conception Junction, MO

Hair testing ensures companies maintain drug-free workplace policies, essential for safety and legal compliance.
This testing method reduces risks of legal disputes, offering security to both employees and employers.
The reliable results promote a safer work environment, crucial for operational efficiency and morale.