Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term record by incorporating biomarkers into the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, it can reflect up to a 3-month history for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, not simple to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, equivalent to about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil), yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry if not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening checks the sample quickly for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples presumed positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
During Extraction, if a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for preparation. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging process.
Confirmation of any positive screen involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the process examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grand Pass, MO
In comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the former offers numerous advantages. Hair testing is superior in tracking drug usage over a prolonged period, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual’s drug history. While urine tests are only viable for recent drug use, hair tests provide a broader and more reliable detection range, ensuring a higher level of accuracy and efficacy.
Extended Detection Window in Grand Pass, MO
Hair follicle testing provides a substantial advantage in detecting drug consumption over an extended duration, reaching up to 90 days. This extended window enables employers to have a detailed insight into a potential or current employee's history of substance use. By offering such a thorough review, hair tests surpass traditional methods that deliver only a limited temporal snapshot.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grand Pass, MO
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage in terms of sample integrity. They are remarkably tamper-resistant, which drastically reduces the possibilities of sample adulteration. As a result, they provide dependable and unquestionable data on an individual’s substance use, thereby upholding the credibility of results and fostering trust in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grand Pass, MO
We provide hassle-free access to our services with testing locations conveniently situated Nationwide, including Grand Pass, MO. This network of centers ensures testing is accessible and simple for all, eliminating logistical challenges and reducing downtime for individuals or companies seeking testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Grand Pass, MO
The procedure of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Grand Pass, MO is straightforward and confidential. This approach addresses concerns related to privacy and ease of use, highlighting the emphasis on user-friendly processes that make testing unobtrusive and efficient, maintaining discretion throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grand Pass, MO
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times, ensuring an excellent value proposition for companies regardless of size. Our services provide not only cost-effectiveness but also timely results, allowing businesses to make informed decisions promptly, equipped with precise and reliable data.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Grand Pass, MO
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed in detecting drug use. They offer not only fast results but also a high level of accuracy, making them an invaluable tool in assessing substance use. Given their ability to detect even trace amounts of substances, hair tests ensure reliable outcomes, offering peace of mind to employers and organizations in Grand Pass, MO.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grand Pass, MO
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace drug policies offers employers a greater assurance of compliance. By ensuring a drug-free environment, companies can minimize legal risks, enhance workplace safety and productivity, and ultimately, achieve peace of mind knowing they adhere to high standards of workplace integrity.
