Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When acquired near the scalp, hair can illustrate an approximate 3-month detection period for substances. Its collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, considered the best sample size for analysis and assurance. For extracurricular, supplemental, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" pertains to scalp hair alone, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal activities in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is introduced into a lab's system. This step encompasses verifying the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial test for substance abuse. As a cost-effective procedure to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be validated to be considered acceptable in legal proceedings. All samples categorized as presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If presumptive positivity is detected at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drug compounds are isolated from hair at a concentration substantially lower than in alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most complex methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All presumptive positive samples undergo a cleanse before confirmation as warranted. The complete laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification alongside the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand instead of the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Green Park, MO
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests with its enhanced detection capabilities and reliability. This method guarantees superior accuracy, uncovering substance usage patterns that urine tests might miss.
Extended Detection Window in Green Park, MO
With the ability to trace substance usage for up to 90 days, hair follicle tests offer employers a holistic view of a candidate or employee's drug history, facilitating informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Green Park, MO
Hair follicle tests virtually eliminate the chance of sample tampering, delivering results that are both reliable and irrefutable, providing peace of mind to stakeholders.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Green Park, MO
Our wide network of testing centers across the nation ensures easy and swift access to testing services, guaranteeing a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Green Park, MO
The straightforward and private procedure for requesting, undertaking, and obtaining test results addresses concerns of privacy while ensuring ease of use for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Green Park, MO
Our competitive pricing plans paired with rapid result delivery offer great value, catering to businesses of every size and providing reassurance through swift service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Green Park, MO
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision. Individuals and employers can rely on their consistent accuracy to identify substance use, ensuring a dependable evaluation of one's recent history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Green Park, MO
Choosing hair follicle testing assists employers in adhering to drug-free policies, thus minimizing legal liabilities and boosting safety in the workplace.
