Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and various drugs by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the evolving hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, supplementary add-ons, and/or for tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial cursory examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen should be verified for it to be legally valid. Any samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review 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 called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
In Florence, MO, hair follicle testing stands as a superior alternative to urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis offers a longer detection period, making it a better option for evaluating an individual’s substance use over time. Employers and authorities benefit from its accurate representation of drug use, eliminating the limitations posed by shorter detection spans typical of customary urine tests.
Florence, MO employers gain a considerable advantage using hair follicle testing due to its noteworthy extended detection window. Unlike other methods, it can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, giving employers a thorough assessment of an individual’s long-term substance history. This comprehensive view is crucial for making informed hiring and employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Florence, MO significantly reduce the chances of sample tampering, compared to other testing methods. The collection process is meticulously observed, minimizing potential alterations. This ensures that results are authentic and entirely reliable, maintaining the integrity of the substance use evaluation.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including in Florence, MO, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free. Our strategically placed facilities ensure quick and easy procedures for individuals and businesses, emphasizing ease of access to vital testing services in a prompt, efficient manner.
In Florence, MO, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving the results, every step is designed to protect privacy while ensuring ease of use. This guarantees a stress-free experience for users, bolstering confidence in the integrity of the testing process.
Florence, MO testing services offer competitive pricing for hair follicle tests without compromising quality or turnaround time. This affordable option provides fast results, giving companies of all sizes cost-effective access to reliable drug testing, thus maintaining budget-friendly and effective workplace policies.
When accuracy and speed are paramount in Florence, MO, hair follicle drug tests deliver outstanding results. The meticulous process yields precise data, offering reliable insights into substance use with unmatched accuracy. This swift and dependable testing method ensures that results are trustworthy, providing peace of mind regarding individual substance use history.
Employers in Florence, MO find assurance in utilizing hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks, enhancing overall workplace safety. By choosing hair follicle tests, organizations maintain a productive environment, free from substance abuse concerns.
