Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a strong method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by trapping biomarkers within hair fibers as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can provide a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is suitable for screening and substantiation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, it's recommended to provide 150mg of the hair sample. We advise verifying the specimen weight with a jeweler's scale. If no scalp hair is available, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory steps for processing drug test outcomes consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where the sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample is sealed and sent correctly, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any remaining data is entered, not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary scan for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use on most samples, any positive screenings must be confirmed for court validity. Samples that yield a presumptively positive result in Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should a sample indicate possible positivity during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging.
The Confirmation process for any positive screening result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are thoroughly cleaned as necessary. From Accessioning through to Confirmation, the process is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests provides remarkable advantages in Des Peres, MO. Hair testing showcases superior detection accuracy and reliability, offering insights into long-term substance use. While urine tests are limited to catching recent usage, hair analyses cover a broader time frame, uncovering patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Benefits of hair testing:
One major advantage of hair follicle analysis in Des Peres, MO, is its extended detection window, spanning nearly three months. Employers keen on ensuring workplace safety find this prolonged insight exceptionally beneficial. Hair testing paints a detailed narrative of an individual's substance intake over time, aiding in significant decision-making processes.
Such an extensive detection capability furnishes a more comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's drug history, enabling employers to align potential hires with organizational values without concerns of undisclosed substance abuse during the hiring process.
In Des Peres, MO, hair follicle testing excels as a tamper-resistant methodology. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring that the results are both reliable and incontrovertible. This level of assurance is crucial for employers enforcing strict drug-free workplace policies.
This testing method's built-in safeguards against tampering reassure employers of the test's integrity. Given its robust nature, individuals find it exceedingly hard to manipulate, securing the validity of each analysis conducted for a confident assessment of substance use.
With numerous testing centers available nationwide, including those conveniently located in Des Peres, MO, the accessibility of our services is unparalleled. These widely distributed locations ensure that individuals and employers can engage in drug testing without unnecessary delays or complexities.
Getting a hair follicle test done is both swift and convenient, with centers near you ready to assist at a moment's notice. No matter where you find yourself, our extensive network guarantees a hassle-free experience, committed to serving your testing needs promptly and efficiently.
The process of conducting a hair follicle test in Des Peres, MO, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step emphasizes privacy and simplicity. Clients can trust that their information remains secure while benefiting from an uncomplicated approach to drug testing.
This commitment to a discreet and user-friendly process alleviates common concerns about data privacy and procedural complexity. The entire procedure—from initiation to final results—prioritizes client confidentiality, ensuring peace of mind for those undergoing testing.
In Des Peres, MO, our hair follicle testing services boast competitive pricing structures, making them accessible to companies of all sizes. The efficient turnaround times ensure that employers are not only receiving value for their investment but also timely results to support prompt decision-making.
By offering affordable testing solutions, we strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and high-quality service, providing organizations with confidence in maintaining their drug-free workplace policies without incurring disproportionate expenses.
In Des Peres, MO, hair follicle drug testing offers a swift and trustworthy solution for drug detection. The procedure promises high precision in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are both quick and reliable. When time is of the essence, hair analysis doesn't compromise on accuracy, allowing employers to make informed decisions confidently and promptly.
Unlike traditional methods, hair follicle tests significantly cut down waiting times while still delivering exceptional accuracy. This test's ability to provide clear insights into an individual's substance history makes it a preferred choice among many looking for speedy yet detailed drug screenings.
Employers in Des Peres, MO, value the peace of mind that comes with hair follicle testing's compliance benefits. This method ensures alignment with workplace drug policies, reducing potential legal exposures. The reliability of hair analysis promotes a culture of safety, imperative for maintaining a secure and productive work environment.
Implementing this stringent testing method alleviates worries surrounding policy adherence, enhancing trust and integrity within the workplace. Employers rest assured, knowing all measures to uphold a drug-free environment are in effect.
