Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal long-term patterns of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for various substances. It is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, with approximately 200 strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields about 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferred. Utilize a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where the sample is processed into the lab’s system. This stage involves ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be legally viable. Samples that test positive in Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample tests positive in Screening, additional hair is removed from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Positive screening outcomes are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used incorrectly as the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Diggins, MO
Hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy and are far more reliable than traditional urine tests. The primary advantage lies in the longer detection period offered by hair tests. This makes hair testing an ideal choice for organizations and professionals seeking detailed insights into substance use behavior that urine tests cannot provide.
Extended Detection Window in Diggins, MO
Hair follicle testing extends the detection timeframe for drugs to approximately 90 days. This extensive window enables employers to gain a broader perspective on an applicant or current employee's substance history. Such comprehensive data helps build a reliable profile and reduces potential risks associated with unverified drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Diggins, MO
Hair follicle tests in Diggins significantly lower the possibility of sample tampering or adulteration. This testing method ensures that results are reliable and authentic, giving employers and courts confidence that they are getting truthful and uncontaminated data, making it a trustworthy alternative to other testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Diggins, MO
Our nationwide network ensures access in Diggins and beyond, providing quick and unimpeded access to testing services. This convenience allows employers and individuals to schedule and conduct tests efficiently, without the burden of travel or scheduling issues.
Simple, Confidential Process in Diggins, MO
Our process for hair follicle testing guarantees simplicity and confidentiality from the point of ordering to receiving results. Individuals benefit from a clear and discreet process that values privacy while ensuring swift and straightforward interactions, making the entire procedure stress-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Diggins, MO
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Diggins, MO
Hair follicle drug tests in Diggins are noted for their swift, precise detection capabilities. This method provides high accuracy when determining substance use among individuals. One of the key strengths of hair testing is its ability to deliver results that clients can trust, as tests are thorough and methodically executed.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Diggins, MO
