Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of drug and alcohol intake by preserving biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection span of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) that is closest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for initial screening and result confirmation. For EtG tests, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It’s advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers only to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any additional data entry missing in an electronic chain of custody system.
During Screening, an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse is conducted. Although Screening is an economical method for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive findings must be verified to be legally acceptable. Samples that are presumptively positive in the Screening phase require further confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptively positive Screening result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex to perform.
Confirmation of positive screening results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire pipeline from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair shaft itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Fisk, MO, demonstrates superior detection accuracy. Hair tests provide a detailed insight into substance use, covering a more extended period. Unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection timeframe, hair tests are known for their reliability and accuracy in results, making them a preferred option for employers looking to ensure a drug-free workplace.
Employers in Fisk, MO, benefit immensely from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. These tests can trace drug use from as far back as 90 days, providing comprehensive insights into an individual's substance history. This extended window is particularly useful for employers seeking a deeper understanding of a potential or current employee's past drug usage.
Fisk, MO, sees a significant reduction in the risk of sample adulteration with hair follicle tests. These tests are tamper-resistant by design, ensuring that the results obtained are reliable and difficult to dispute. By minimizing the possibility of deception, these tests provide employers and regulatory bodies with confidence in the authenticity of the results.
Accredited Drug Testing provides the convenience of nationwide testing facilities alongside local options in Fisk, MO. This network allows easy access to hair follicle testing services, ensuring a quick, hassle-free experience. By choosing our services, clients in Fisk benefit from efficient and accessible testing processes available at numerous locations.
The process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results in Fisk, MO, is both simple and confidential. We recognize the importance of privacy and ease, ensuring every step of the testing process respects client confidentiality. From start to finish, individuals can expect a secure and straightforward experience.
Our competitive pricing structures in Fisk, MO, make hair follicle testing accessible to all businesses, regardless of size. Coupled with quick turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing provides excellent value for companies seeking reliable results. Our services offer peace of mind by balancing affordability with quality outcomes.
In Fisk, MO, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. These tests boast remarkable accuracy in identifying substance use, offering definitive results that are crucial for decision-making. The speed with which these tests provide results ensures that there is minimal disruption in processes, allowing for swift and informed actions based on the results obtained.
For Fisk, MO, employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By utilizing these tests, companies can enhance workplace safety and minimize legal risks. This peace of mind allows businesses to focus on productivity, confident in the knowledge that their employees adhere to established substance use policies.
