Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-term evidence of substance use as biomarkers become embedded in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected close to the scalp, it covers up to a 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch length comprising around 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimum amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to determine the specimen’s weight is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair denotes only scalp hair, while body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary laboratory procedures in processing a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary inspection for substances of abuse. While it offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for the majority of cases, a positive screen outcome requires confirmation to be legally viable. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Doolittle, MO, hair follicle testing reigns supreme over urine tests due to its exceptional accuracy and extensive detection capacity.
Hair tests provide a clearer picture of an individual's drug history, covering up to three months.
The hair follicle drug test offers a significant benefit in Doolittle, MO, with its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days.
This long detection period allows for a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's drug history.
In Doolittle, MO, the hair follicle testing method is renowned for its tamper-resistance, drastically lowering the risk of sample adulteration.
Compared to other testing forms, hair tests provide results that are reliable and incontrovertible.
In Doolittle, MO, the convenience of available nationwide testing centers, alongside local spots, ensures easy and accessible testing services.
Our extensive network means less hassle and more efficiency for all involved.
The process of hair follicle testing in Doolittle, MO, is straightforward and private, from ordering to receiving results.
This simplicity addresses common concerns about complexity and confidentiality.
Competitive pricing along with quick results position hair follicle testing in Doolittle, MO, as a preferred choice for businesses of any size.
Our pricing model ensures affordability while maintaining quality.
Hair follicle drug testing in Doolittle, MO, stands out for its swift and accurate outcomes, ensuring high precision in identifying substance use.
Unlike conventional methods, the accuracy of hair follicle tests mitigates the chances of false negatives or positives.
Employers in Doolittle, MO, can find peace of mind through compliant drug testing methods, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
Hair follicle testing supports companies in staying legally compliant, minimizing workplace risks.