Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become acknowledged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of substance use by incorporating biomarkers into the structure of the developing hair strand. If obtained near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a three-month observation period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, fairly challenging to alter, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If hair from the scalp is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s setup. This involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not available through an electronic custody chain system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drug misuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs to be verified to be eligible in legal settings. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are withdrawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration in comparison to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair substance screening is one of the most complex methodologies to conduct.
Verification of any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All conditionally positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Des Arc, MO, hair follicle testing is favorably regarded against traditional urine tests. The method triumphs in detection accuracy and reliability, presenting a more detailed substance use history.
With extended detection abilities, hair testing offers an acute observation window per detection, surpassing typical urine assessments.
Prolonged detection windows in Des Arc, MO, make hair follicle tests a crucial asset for employers. Spanning up to 90 days, this duration paints a comprehensive picture of an individual's substance history.
Employers benefit from this in-depth analysis, as it affords a broader review timeframe, crucial for comprehensive screenings.
Hair follicle testing in Des Arc, MO, stands as a tamper-resistant methodology. This substantially mitigates the risks associated with sample adulteration, fostering reliable, unimpeachable outcomes.
Such robust security measures ensure the integrity of each sample, guaranteeing accuracy and impartiality in results.
Des Arc, MO, benefits from national and local testing centers, ensuring accessibility and ease of service for all hair follicle testing needs.
The convenience of these strategically located centers facilitates swift, streamlined testing, minimizing disruption to daily routines.
In Des Arc, MO, hair follicle testing procedures are simple and confidential. This is epitomized by a seamless order process, testing, and discreet result dissemination, all safeguarding client privacy.
Ease of use is paramount, ensuring that each participant experiences a straightforward and secure journey.
With affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, Des Arc, MO, offers hair follicle testing that delivers superior value to organizations of varying scales.
The advantageous cost and efficiency make these services a preferred solution, ensuring economical expenditure while preserving result integrity.
Hair follicle tests in Des Arc, MO, provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests offer unparalleled precision and swiftness, setting a high standard in substance detection.
The accuracy of hair follicle tests stands out markedly when detecting drug or alcohol use. The method's adeptness in capturing substance use patterns makes it a preferred choice in Des Arc.
Employers in Des Arc, MO, enjoy compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. It aligns with workplace drug-free strategies, lowering legal liabilities, and promoting safety.
By adhering to these rigorous standards, businesses maintain a fortified defense against potential substance abuse within their organizational domain.
