Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of substance biomarkers by embedding them within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, a hair sample can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and can be easily mailed.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair might be gathered. By head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory processing of a substance test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This encompasses ensuring the sample’s seal and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid test for substance misuse. While cost-effective for ruling out substance use in the majority of samples, a positive screening needs confirmation to be acceptable in legal settings. Samples with initial positive outcomes in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
Should a sample yield a positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair substance analysis is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The comprehensive processing from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the test directly analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle situated beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing
In Concordia, MO, hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over urine tests. Unlike urine testing, hair samples provide a longer detection window, capturing substance use over months. Hair testing minimizes the likelihood of evasion tactics that can compromise urine test reliability. Thus, it represents a superior, non-intrusive, and robust option for decisive drug use assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Concordia, MO
One notable advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended timeline of up to 90 days. This longer window provides a comprehensive analysis of an individual's substance history, helping employers in Concordia, MO, understand prolonged use patterns and make more informed decisions regarding candidates' and employees' past behaviors.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Concordia, MO, offer a formidable defense against sample tampering, ensuring the integrity of test results. These tests are conducted under supervised conditions, drastically reducing the potential for manipulation. Consequently, they provide dependable results that can be trusted by all stakeholders, from employers to legal entities, reinforcing faith in the process.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations
Offering convenience at its best, our Concordia, MO, location is part of a nationwide network of testing centers. This extensive reach ensures accessible, efficient, and hassle-free testing for all clients. Regardless of location, individuals and organizations benefit from prompt service and the ease of accessing reliable drug testing facilities nearby.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Concordia, MO, the procedure for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and discreet. Individuals can easily order tests, perform sample collections, and receive results with full privacy. This process not only ensures confidentiality but also promotes ease of use, addressing any concerns and fostering confidence in the overall testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Concordia, MO, accessible to businesses of all sizes. The cost-effectiveness of our services, coupled with rapid delivery of results, provides exceptional value that resonates with both employers' needs and budget considerations, contributing to peace of mind across all sectors.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Concordia, MO, hair follicle testing stands out for its impressive speed, precision, and accuracy. These tests deliver reliable insights into an individual's drug history, ensuring employers, courts, and professionals make well-informed decisions swiftly and with confidence. This quick and precise approach revolutionizes drug testing with the assurance of dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Concordia, MO, enhances compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal exposure and promoting a safer working environment. Employers gain assurance with this method, as it aligns with rigorous regulatory standards and offers a safeguard against potential litigation related to drug use in the workplace.
