Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a robust tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by storing biomarkers within the fiber of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A harvested sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, perfect for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a corresponding amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory stages in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within the laboratory framework. This process involves confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While this step is cost-effective to dismiss drug use in most samples, positive results need confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that yield presumptive positives during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug testing one of the hardest methodologies to perform.
Confirmation for any positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to required confirmation. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation conforming to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Frontenac, MO
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests. Employers in Frontenac benefit from its reliability and comprehensive results, capturing a wider history of drug use. This makes it an essential tool for maintaining drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Frontenac, MO
The significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days. This extended window provides a detailed view into an individual's substance history, aiding employers in Frontenac in making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Frontenac, MO
Hair follicle testing reduces the likelihood of sample tampering, delivering trustworthy results. Its resilience against adulteration ensures the integrity and reliability of each test conducted in Frontenac.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Frontenac, MO
Our network of testing centers promises convenience, offering quick and easy access to services across the nation, including Frontenac. Hassle-free procedures make this an optimal choice for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Frontenac, MO
The process for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and private. Frontenac residents enjoy the simplicity of ordering, taking, and receiving results, protecting confidentiality throughout each step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Frontenac, MO
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery provide unparalleled value, supporting businesses of every size in Frontenac. This ensures peace of mind with cost-effective, swift testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Frontenac, MO
Hair follicle testing ensures high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing swift and dependable outcomes. This method surpasses traditional tests by offering precise results that employers in Frontenac trust. Its ability to deliver quick and accurate findings makes it a favored choice among testing options.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Frontenac, MO
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers in Frontenac gain peace of mind knowing they uphold compliance with effective screening.
