Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Over time, hair testing has established itself as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands capture a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate drug or alcohol use for up to around three months. It's easy to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A lengthy section of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (like facial and armpit hair).
Process Overview
Four critical steps encompass the lab processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning focuses on the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab's records. It ensures the sealed and correctly shipped nature of the sample, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial brief evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening economically eliminates drug use in the majority of specimens, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary validation.
When a sample is presumptively marked positive during Screening, more hair is used from the initial collection for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other approaches (like urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as the most complex approach to execute.
Validation of any positive screening result is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked presumptive positive are cleaned before validation if needed. The total lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation operates under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Elmer, MO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may only identify recent drug use, hair tests reveal a broader picture over a longer period. This makes them an ideal choice for employers seeking comprehensive insights into an individual's substance use history.
The extended detection window associated with hair follicle testing enables employers in Elmer to make more informed decisions by assessing substance use over the past 90 days. This comprehensive overview gives companies the confidence to maintain their drug-free policies effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Elmer, MO, offers an extended detection window for identifying drug use, covering up to 90 days. This makes it a valuable tool for employers aiming to understand an individual's long-term substance history, moving beyond what a urine test might show.
By utilizing hair samples, testing uncovers a comprehensive timeline of drug use, providing employers with the necessary data to assess an applicant or employee's fitness for work in a drug-free environment. This approach offers peace of mind when making critical employment decisions.
In Elmer, MO, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant method of drug testing, significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures the results are unquestionable, thus strengthening trust in the test outcomes.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing is less susceptible to cheating. The observed sample collection process minimizes any chance of manipulation, offering peace of mind to those relying on the results for workplace safety and compliance.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including local options in Elmer, MO, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is both swift and hassle-free. Our centers are strategically positioned to provide easy access, accommodating the needs of clients across various regions.
The extensive network of testing centers allows for quick and efficient testing processes, ensuring that clients do not experience unnecessary delays. This streamlined access is designed to offer maximum convenience and to meet the demands of employers seeking reliable testing services.
Hair follicle testing in Elmer, MO, is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality. The process of ordering tests, sample collection, and receiving results is designed for ultimate user ease, ensuring that privacy concerns are addressed comprehensively.
The simple and confidential nature of the testing process allows individuals and employers to comfortably rely on the service without fearing exposure of sensitive information. This security contributes to a positive testing experience.
In Elmer, MO, our hair follicle testing services offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, providing exceptional value for companies big and small. The competitive pricing structures ensure businesses can maintain their budget while accessing reliable drug testing services.
Quick results are part of the service promise, minimizing wait times and allowing businesses to proceed confidently with hiring or compliance procedures. This efficient process is a crucial part of the value provided to clients.
In Elmer, MO, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. They provide reliable results quicker than traditional methods. With a focus on precision, these tests ensure that employers receive a clear understanding of substance use, allowing for informed decision-making.
Employers in Elmer can rely on the efficient processing of hair follicle tests. The tests’ rapid turnaround time means that results are available promptly, allowing businesses to proceed without delay in their hiring or compliance processes. This rapid access to results ensures a smooth operational flow.
Employers in Elmer, MO, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This approach reduces potential legal risks and promotes safety within the work environment. By implementing such testing strategies, companies can maintain a drug-free workplace more effectively.
Peace of mind is secured as hair follicle tests offer long-term monitoring capabilities, helping employers confirm that their workforce remains compliant. This proactive step is significant in fostering a safer and more productive workplace environment.
