Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers in the hair strand as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The hair collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil thickness) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in the lab procedure of a drug testing result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the lab’s system. This includes checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. While it serves as a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug use in a majority of samples, a positive screening requires verification to hold up in legal proceedings. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample indicates presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug screening being the most challenging method to execute.
Any positive screening outcomes are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. Each step of the lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure assesses the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Glenallen, MO
Comparing hair testing with traditional urine tests highlights superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests capture a broader detection window and ensure more conclusive results.
Extended Detection Window in Glenallen, MO
Hair follicle testing provides a much longer detection timeframe, spanning up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough perspective on an individual's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Glenallen, MO
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce sample adulteration risks, delivering consistent and unquestionable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Glenallen, MO
Our widespread testing centers offer easy, hassle-free, and swift access to testing services, catering to all client needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Glenallen, MO
The testing process is straightforward and ensures confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Glenallen, MO
Our pricing structures are competitive, coupled with quick turnaround times, providing exceptional value and reassurance for businesses of any scale.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Glenallen, MO
Hair follicle drug testing in Glenallen provides unmatched speed and precision, ensuring high accuracy in detecting substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Glenallen, MO
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety levels.
