Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and other drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 90-day detection window for substances. This method is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, comprising roughly 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for analysis. For EtG or more than ten-panel tests, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab’s workflow. It ensures the sample was sealed and sent appropriately, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data input not present in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, an affirmative screen needs validation to be legally accepted. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening require supplementary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is retrieved from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are distilled from hair at a far lower concentration than in other methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as a very challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Dennis Acres, MO, proves superior compared to traditional urine testing. Hair tests boast greater detection accuracy and reliability, offering a detailed overview of an individual's drug usage over time versus the shorter window of urine analyses. This method's robust detection capability ensures a higher chance of capturing a potential drug issue that might be missed by urine tests.
In Dennis Acres, MO, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, capturing drug use patterns over as much as 90 days. For employers, this translates to a more comprehensive insight into an applicant's or employee's drug history. Such a broad timeframe offers a clear and complete picture, surpassing the limited scope of traditional testing methods, thus facilitating informed decision-making processes.
Hair follicle tests in Dennis Acres, MO, significantly minimize the risk of tampering or sample adulteration. These tests are designed to give reliable results due to their collection method, which is nearly impossible to alter. Employers and organizations can trust these tests' integrity, ensuring that the results are both reliable and unquestionable, delivering confidence in maintaining drug-free environments.
With convenient testing locations across the nation and locally in Dennis Acres, MO, accessing hair follicle tests is straightforward and user-friendly. Accredited Drug Testing offers nationwide centers ensuring that testing is quick and hassle-free. This accessibility means that anyone can find a nearby center easily, supporting a stress-free testing experience tailored to meet diverse requirements.
In Dennis Acres, MO, the hair follicle testing process is marked by simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, every step is streamlined to safeguard privacy while ensuring ease of use. This straightforward approach provides peace and reassurance, knowing that the process respects personal confidentiality while delivering quick and reliable outcomes for all involved.
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests in Dennis Acres, MO. Our cost-effective solutions offer excellent value, making sure companies of every size receive quality testing without compromise. The fast results delivered ensure peace of mind, highlighting our commitment to affordable, dependable testing services.
In Dennis Acres, MO, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their precision, speed, and reliability. Detecting substance use with high accuracy, they offer a swift solution for those needing test results promptly. The ability to swiftly identify drug use while maintaining top accuracy sets hair tests apart, making them a reliable option for various needs. Their quick turnaround and precise results make them a preferred choice.
For employers in Dennis Acres, MO, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free policies, providing peace of mind. It mitigates legal risks associated with workplace drug use by offering accurate and enforceable results. By adopting this method, organizations enhance safety and focus on creating a secure work atmosphere underpinned by reliable and consistent testing practices.
