Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair is a reliable source for a long-term record of alcohol and drug use, as it captures biomarkers in the hair strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen's weight. In the absence of scalp hair, a suitable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into a lab’s system, involving the verification of proper sealing and shipment of the sample, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive Screening result must be confirmed in order to be valid in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from the hair at a much lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grayhawk, MO Hair drug tests offer superior accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests, especially with their longer detection period. For employers and legal systems prioritizing zero-tolerance policies, this method provides an upper hand in drug use monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Grayhawk, MO A significant advantage of hair testing is its 90-day detection span. Contrast this with urine tests, and it's clear that hair tests provide a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history, making them ideal for thorough evaluations by employers looking for a full history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grayhawk, MO Hair follicle tests mitigate the risk of sample tampering, providing indisputable results. Unlike urine tests, which can sometimes fall prey to adulteration, hair testing maintains the integrity of the sample from collection to result.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grayhawk, MO Nationwide presence means easy access to testing services, offering local and convenient solutions. Ensuring widespread coverage, our locations make the testing process easy for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Grayhawk, MO Our hair follicle testing ensures a simple and private experience, from ordering to receiving the results. We prioritize client privacy and simplicity, ensuring your information is secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grayhawk, MO Our competitive pricing and swift result turnaround make our services an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. We strive to offer the best value while ensuring quick and reliable outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Grayhawk, MO Hair follicle testing outshines traditional methods by delivering precision and reliability. These tests pinpoint substance use with unmatched accuracy, ensuring that results are both swift and reliable. Trusted by employers, these tests provide reassurance in their consistency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grayhawk, MO Utilizing hair tests ensures that employers remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies. This not only enhances workplace safety but also minimizes legal risks associated with drug use.
