Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of drugs and alcohol by incorporating biomarkers into the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When captured near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to approximately 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample approximately 1.5 inches long with around 200 hair strands (comparable to the dimensions of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional components, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent volume of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and sent correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary swift assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening offers an economical method to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive outcome from the screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are initially positive in Screening require an additional confirmation process.
When a sample yields a presumptive positive result during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Preparation and Extraction, where drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complex nature of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive Screening outcome is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positives are cleansed thoroughly preceding the confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine testing in Elm Point, MO? Hair tests offer superior detection capabilities, identifying drugs even months after use, whereas urine tests have a much shorter detection window. The results from hair testing are more reliable, providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history. For organizations requiring stringent drug policies, hair testing is a clear winner in terms of accuracy and reliability.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Elm Point, MO offers the ability to identify drug use over a 90-day period. This time frame provides employers with comprehensive insight into an employee's or applicant's substance history. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent use, hair tests capture a broader overview, helping employers make informed decisions based on a longer-term analysis of drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Elm Point, MO significantly minimizes the potential for tampering. The collection process ensures the integrity of the test, making it highly resistant to sample adulteration. This reliability offers unquestionable results that employers and legal systems can trust. The inability to easily manipulate the test transforms it into a favored method for rigorous drug testing procedures.
Convenience is key in Elm Point, MO, with Accredited Drug Testing offering a network of nationwide and local testing centers. This accessibility ensures that drug testing services are quick, easy, and hassle-free. Clients can visit any of our numerous locations, making the testing process seamless and efficient. The widespread availability of centers guarantees that testing needs are promptly met.
The process of hair follicle testing in Elm Point, MO is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, the emphasis is on privacy and simplicity. Clients can rest assured that their information remains protected, with a user-friendly procedure that addresses any privacy concerns, ensuring a smooth and discreet testing experience.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Elm Point, MO. Our competitive pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, providing exceptional value for drug testing services. Coupled with swift result delivery, organizations can efficiently manage their testing needs without compromising on quality or budget, ensuring peace of mind for employers and HR professionals.
Fast and accurate results are pivotal in Elm Point, MO, and hair follicle drug tests excel in this area. These tests quickly deliver reliable results, making them a top choice for employers who prioritize precision in drug screening. The high accuracy of hair tests ensures that substance use is detected effectively, reducing the chance of errors and providing peace of mind to employers seeking dependable outcomes.
For employers in Elm Point, MO, employing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method not only helps in reducing legal liabilities but also enhances workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their work environment upholds strict drug use regulations, supported by the accuracy and reliability of hair tests.
