Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can provide an extended record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair may offer up to a roughly three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG tests, additional screenings, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advocated. It is advisable to weigh the hair using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair exclusively pertain to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing phase where a sample is integrated into a laboratory’s system. This phase includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and recording any additional information not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial quick assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening demand a secondary verification.
Should a sample result in a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is used to verify any positive screening results. Any samples identified as presumptively positive undergo cleaning before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process spanning Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Ellsinore, MO stands out compared to urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. While traditional urine tests have their place, hair tests offer a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use over time, making it a preferred choice for many employers and agencies.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Ellsinore, MO is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair tests can identify drug use up to 90 days prior, providing employers with a thorough picture of an individual's substance history. This long-term view is invaluable for making better-informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Ellsinore, MO offer a tamper-resistant testing method that significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. By leveraging this robust approach, employers can be assured of trustworthy and definitive results, elevating the test's reliability above other methods.
In Ellsinore, MO, our nationwide network of testing centers brings convenience to accessing hair follicle tests. This vast availability means that individuals and businesses can enjoy seamless and hassle-free testing services without the need to travel far, ensuring that drug testing is accessible wherever needed.
The process for hair follicle testing in Ellsinore, MO is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step respects privacy concerns, ensuring users can easily and securely manage their testing needs without feeling inconvenienced or exposed.
With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Ellsinore, MO offers excellent value to companies of various sizes. This affordability, coupled with prompt results, brings peace of mind and budgeting ease, ensuring effective drug testing solutions without excessive costs.
The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug testing are prominent in Ellsinore, MO. These tests are known for their high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing results that are both fast and reliable. This ensures that individuals or employers can receive trustworthy information quickly, aiding in timely decision-making and planning.
Employers in Ellsinore, MO find hair follicle testing to be a great tool for maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only minimizes legal risks but also improves safety and peace of mind by ensuring that employees adhere to set guidelines, ultimately creating a more secure working environment.
