Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a historical timeline of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can yield a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and various drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively secure from manipulation, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system, verifying the sample's sealing and shipping correctness, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be defensible in court. All samples presumed positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumed positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing is 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. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hardin, MO, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests, showcasing enhanced detection reliability and precision. Hair testing's superior accuracy offers a compelling edge.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle examinations uncover drug use over more extended periods, which means rare false negatives due to masked recent drug intake are almost eliminated.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Hardin, MO provides an unparalleled view into a person's drug use history, spanning up to 90 days.
For employers, this extensive detection period provides valuable insights, offering a thorough overview of an individual's potential substance use patterns and reliability.
Hair follicle testing in Hardin, MO stands out due to its exceptional resistance to manipulation, offering a trustworthy and unequivocal analysis of substance use.
Compared to other methods, the risk of tampering is significantly reduced with hair follicle tests, ensuring testing integrity and enhancing the authenticity of the results.
With our convenient nationwide network, including local facilities in Hardin, MO, accessing hair follicle testing has never been easier.
Our strategic presence in various locations ensures a seamless experience, providing timely and hassle-free services to meet testing needs effectively.
In Hardin, MO, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discreet, catering to individuals' privacy and ease concerns.
Ordering, undergoing tests, and obtaining results are streamlined to guarantee confidentiality, offering peace of mind throughout the process.
Our hair follicle testing services in Hardin, MO provide competitive pricing, ensuring affordability without compromising quality and speed.
Fast turnaround times and budget-friendly options make it an excellent choice for organizations of various scales, offering both value and assurance.
Experience the advantages of hair follicle drug tests in Hardin, MO with results that are fast, precise, and dependable. The method's accuracy is unparalleled, offering a reliable indicator of substance use.
Employing advanced techniques, hair follicle testing combines both speed and meticulousness to ensure high accuracy. Results can be trusted when granular insights into substance use histories are needed.
Employers in Hardin, MO seeking reassurance can rely on hair follicle testing for ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing potential legal complications.
By adopting this testing method, companies can foster a safer environment, boosting overall employee welfare and corporate compliance.
