Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers an estimated 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair might be used. By head hair, we mean solely scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hairs (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process checks that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody method.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a budget-friendly option to exclude drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive screen demands confirmation for judicial acceptability. Samples identified as presumptive positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is considered the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Foster, MO, hair follicle tests outshine traditional urine tests in several ways. They offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can detect drug use over a much extended timeframe, providing a more comprehensive assessment. This makes hair testing a favored choice for employers aiming for strict adherence to drug-free policies.
Hair follicle testing in Foster, MO, excels with its extended detection window, capturing a drug use history spanning up to 90 days. This long-term view benefits employers by offering insights into an applicant or employee's substance habits. Hair tests provide a thorough understanding of drug activity, eclipsing the short detection window of traditional tests.
Hair follicle tests in Foster, MO, significantly curb sample tampering risks, ensuring reliable and indisputable results. Since hair samples are collected under observation, the chance of adulteration is minimized. This controlled method enhances the credibility and accuracy of drug testing results, reassuring employers and authorities of the test outcomes.
The convenience of nationwide and local testing locations in Foster, MO, makes hair follicle testing easily accessible. Our extensive network ensures quick and hassle-free service for individuals and employers alike. This accessibility is crucial for maintaining efficient drug testing processes, thereby supporting timely decision-making.
In Foster, MO, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process prioritizes ease of use and privacy. This streamlined approach ensures that individuals can confidently participate in testing, knowing their information is handled discreetly.
Our hair follicle testing in Foster, MO, offers affordable pricing and quick turnaround times. This combination delivers excellent value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes. By providing competitive rates and swift results, we support companies in managing costs while maintaining high standards of safety.
In Foster, MO, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapid results. They provide precise and fast detection of substance use, making them highly accurate. This method ensures that individuals are tested thoroughly and swiftly, significantly enhancing the reliability of drug testing in the region, which is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance.
Employers in Foster, MO, enjoy compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks. Combined with the extensive detection period, hair tests contribute to enhanced safety measures, reinforcing the commitment to a secure working environment.
