Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an essential resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair secures a detailed history of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional checks, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. The sample should be weighed using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to other hair varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The main stages involved in the lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s database. This involves checking the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and doing any extra data input not included by an electronic custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift assessment for drug misuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in court. Samples that test presumptive positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, more hairs are extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or salivary fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is notably challenging to execute.
Positive screens undergo Confirmation via techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Eagle Rock, MO due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer enhanced reliability and accuracy. For employers and professionals prioritizing precise research, hair testing provides an unmatched evaluation experience.
Hair follicle testing excels in detecting drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days in Eagle Rock, MO. This expanded detection window allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, which cannot be achieved with shorter-term tests.
In Eagle Rock, MO, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution by significantly reducing the potential for sample adulteration. The reliability and accuracy of the results are unquestionable, making them a preferred method for unassailable testing outcomes.
With testing centers located throughout Eagle Rock, MO, and nationwide, accessing our services is seamless and convenient. Our extensive network ensures quick and hassle-free testing experiences, catering to both local and national clients.
The straightforward and confidential process in Eagle Rock, MO makes hair follicle testing user-friendly. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns about ease of use.
In Eagle Rock, MO, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times set us apart. We offer exceptional value, ensuring that companies of all sizes can confidently and economically utilize our hair follicle testing services.
The precision and quick results offered by hair follicle drug tests are exemplary, particularly in Eagle Rock, MO. These tests stand out for their high accuracy in identifying substance use. Their ability to provide fast outcomes ensures that individuals and employers receive reliable data when it's most needed.
For employers in Eagle Rock, MO, hair follicle testing promotes compliance and assurance with workplace drug-free policies. Implementing these tests helps minimize legal concerns while fostering a safer working environment, thus offering peace of mind.