Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Creve Coeur, MO

What it is, How it works

Hair examination is now recognized as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. It offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by encasing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. Hair taken close to the head can reveal about a 3-month window of alcohol and drug presence. This method is easy to perform, harder to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For extended tests like EtG, additional samples, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test outcome involves four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a specimen into a lab's system. It includes validating that the specimen was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening is conducted to perform a preliminary check for drug abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most specimens, any positive screening requires confirmation for legal purposes. All presumptive positives from the Screening phase require a follow-up confirmation.

A presumptive positive result in the Screening stage leads to more hair being extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug analysis notably challenging.

Verification of positive screening outcomes happens through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show positive screenings are cleaned before verification if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Verification is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug intake for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests that feature a shorter detection period.
• Hard to falsify: It is challenging to falsify hair drug tests, which ensures more reliable results.
• Offers historical insight: It can reveal a pattern of drug intake over a span of time, not just recent usage.

Considerations:

• Inability to determine recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Creve Coeur, MO
Hair testing provides superior detection compared to urine testing, offering reliability and accuracy. It is especially valuable as it is less invasive and provides a longer history of substance use, giving it an edge over traditional urine methods.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Creve Coeur, MO
Hair follicle testing is advantageous for its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive view aids employers in understanding an employee's or applicant's substance history over an extended period.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Creve Coeur, MO
The hair follicle testing method significantly deters adulteration, providing reliable and indisputable results. This ensures trust in the testing process and the accuracy of the collected samples.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Creve Coeur, MO
With testing centers spread across the nation, accessing our services is quick and hassle-free, ensuring a smooth process for all parties involved in drug testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Creve Coeur, MO
Our process is straightforward and private, from ordering to analysis and result reception, guaranteeing the confidentiality and ease that customers seek.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Creve Coeur, MO
We offer competitive pricing and speedy turnarounds, making our services accessible while ensuring excellent value, meeting the needs of companies big and small alike.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Creve Coeur, MO
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and swiftness. Results are not only swift but carry high accuracy in detecting past substance use, reassuring employers about an employee's adherence to substance policies.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Creve Coeur, MO
Incorporating hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach minimizes legal risks and fosters a safer work environment, bringing peace of mind to employers.

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