Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are recognized as effective instruments for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use spanning a 90-day period. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 strands (the circumference of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect amount for tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, body hair can serve as a substitute. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (like facial and axillary).
Process Overview
In drug test lab processing, the four key stages are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary step where a sample is logged into the lab's system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, economical test to identify drugs of abuse. Although cost-efficient, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed to be court-valid. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples flagged as presuming positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration than other methods, such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing notably challenging to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods perform Confirmation of positive screenings. Before Confirmation, any presumptive positive samples undergo washing if necessary. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under CAP's (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the process examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Gilman City, MO, hair follicle testing surpasses urine analysis in numerous ways. Its superior detection accuracy and consistency offer a more revealing insight into an individual's drug history. This method not only uncovers evidence of usage over longer periods but also reinforces the integrity of the results, making it a preferred choice over traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window
Gilman City, MO employers benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing, revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This supply of historical data allows for a deep dive into substance use patterns, granting employers a holistic view of an applicant or employee's history and thereby shaping informed HR decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Gilman City, MO, hair follicle testing is embedded in reliability, curtailing the chance of tampering or adulteration. These tests ascertain the authenticity of the results, providing tamper-resistant assurance which instills confidence in the results obtained, comforting both testers and those being tested.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations
With testing centers nationwide and locally in Gilman City, MO, accessing testing services is quick and seamless. This widespread network guarantees that individuals can partake in testing processes with minimal fuss, promoting easy access and time efficiency, crucial for busy schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Gilman City, MO, hair testing processes are streamlined and private, ensuring ease from start to finish. The transparent procedure caters to confidentiality and simplicity, handling concerns about privacy adeptly while facilitating straightforward ordering, testing, and results retrieval.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Gilman City, MO, hair follicle testing ensures competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. Our pricing structures are accommodating, promising unparalleled value, essential for diverse corporate needs, enhancing both affordability and timely delivery of results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Gilman City, MO, hair follicle drug tests shine in their speed and precision. These tests provide rapid insights, accurately identifying substance usage patterns. The technique speaks to the high-caliber detection required by organizations to ensure the reliability and quality of results delivered within an optimal timeframe.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Gilman City, MO workplaces that adopt hair follicle testing experience compliance with drug-free policies, safeguarding against legal challenges. This process enhances safety and security in the work environment, emphasizing employer peace of mind and guaranteeing a lawful and harmonious workplace atmosphere.