Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands offer a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When gathered from near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection window for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps involved in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails processing a sample into a lab’s system initially. This step involves confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be permissible in legal proceedings. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at a much lower concentration than in other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is more complex.
To confirm any positive screening outcome, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp
In Goodman, MO, hair follicle testing offers a clear advantage over traditional urine tests. Hair analysis provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, tracking drug use over a longer window. This makes it ideal for employers and organizations that prioritize a stringent approach against drug abuse.
Hair follicle testing in Goodman, MO provides an extended detection window, capturing drug use over the past 90 days. This long-term view offers employers insight into an individual's substance history, allowing for a more informed decision-making process regarding employment and compliance with drug-free policies.
Hair follicle tests are notably tamper-resistant, offering reliable results that are hard to manipulate. This method significantly decreases the risk of sample adulteration, providing unquestionable outcomes for those in Goodman, MO who require a trustworthy approach to detecting drug use.
Convenience is key with our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including those in Goodman, MO. This setup ensures quick, easy, and stress-free access to hair follicle testing services. With locations readily accessible, testing is streamlined for individuals and organizations alike.
The process of hair follicle testing in Goodman, MO is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease of use. This method addresses any concerns about the testing process while upholding client confidentiality.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Goodman, MO an excellent value for companies. With cost-effective structures and prompt service delivery, businesses of all sizes benefit from reliable testing that offers peace of mind without straining budgets.
The precision and speed of hair follicle testing in Goodman, MO ensure fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests have exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use, leaving no room for doubt. With such a high level of reliability, hair follicle tests stand out as the preferred choice for organizations looking to enforce strict substance use policies.
Employers in Goodman, MO gain peace of mind through compliance with drug-free workplace policies by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety by ensuring adherence to substance abuse regulations, fostering a secure work environment.
