Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand, hair provides a comprehensive history of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and drug use. Collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a Screening-positive result must be verified to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a confirmatory step.
For samples presumed positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is obtained from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drug concentrations in hair are extracted at significantly lower levels than with other techniques (such as urine or saliva), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation checks for any positive results from Screening via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily flagged as positive undergo a cleansing process before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fidelity, MO
Hair testing offers superior benefits compared to traditional urine analysis. Its accuracy and reliability are unmatched, making it a preferred choice. Hair tests detect drugs more effectively, providing a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history, which urine tests often miss.
Extended Detection Window in Fidelity, MO
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its longer detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This provides a detailed insight into an individual's substance use, offering employers a comprehensive look at their applicants or employees' history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fidelity, MO
Hair follicle tests are known for their robustness against tampering. The method virtually eliminates the possibility of adulteration, ensuring results are consistently reliable and trustworthy, which is crucial for maintaining integrity in testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fidelity, MO
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures accessible and convenient hair drug testing. Whether in Fidelity, MO, or beyond, our services are designed for quick, easy, and hassle-free access, benefiting individuals and companies alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fidelity, MO
Ordering, taking, and receiving results through our hair testing method is straightforward and confidential. This process ensures privacy, addressing any privacy concerns and making it user-friendly, which is vital for consumer trust.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fidelity, MO
Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing with fast turnaround times, providing great value. Regardless of company size, we ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed, reassuring every stakeholder involved.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fidelity, MO
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed. They deliver highly accurate results, quickly confirming substance use. This method excels in identifying drug traces, providing reliable outcomes in a short time, which is essential for effective decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fidelity, MO
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers easily align with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal uncertainties and enhances safety measures, resulting in peace of mind and a secure working environment.
