Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture biomarkers in the fibers of the growing strand, offering a long-term history of substance use. When samples are obtained near the scalp, they can yield a detection window of approximately 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg, considered optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We recommend the specimen be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" refers to all other hair categories, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the first stage of processing a sample within the lab's system. This entails verifying the sample's sealing and shipping integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening provides an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is economical for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. All samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Drugs are extracted at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the testing process actually examines the hair strand without including the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hopkins, MO, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to its superior detection abilities. With higher accuracy and reliability, it provides a more comprehensive view of drug use history.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing is less prone to tampering, offering an added layer of assurance for accurate results.
Hopkins, MO benefits from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which reaches up to 90 days. This is a crucial advantage for employers seeking a thorough history of substance use.
Employers can gain a broader understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug use over a prolonged period, enhancing the decision-making process.
Hair follicle testing in Hopkins, MO drastically decreases the likelihood of sample tampering, thus ensuring reliable results. This robustness makes it a preferred method among various testing options.
Deterring adulteration, hair tests stand out as a trustworthy option, offering confidence in the integrity of the results.
Our nationwide testing centers, including local locations in Hopkins, MO, offer unmatched convenience. This accessibility ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free testing services for all clients.
With widespread availability, accessing our services is straightforward and efficient, streamlining the testing process for everyone.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle tests in Hopkins, MO is simple and confidential, addressing concerns of privacy and ease of use.
From start to finish, the testing process is designed to be user-friendly and discreet, assuring participants of their privacy and comfort.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Hopkins, MO, providing excellent value for businesses of every size.
Our cost-effective solutions, coupled with rapid result delivery, ensure that companies receive great service and peace of mind efficiently.
Hair follicle testing in Hopkins, MO offers precise and rapid results, essential for effective drug testing protocols. With their high accuracy, these tests can reliably detect substance use.
The speed at which results from hair follicle tests are delivered is noteworthy, making it a preferred choice for employers looking for quick yet reliable testing outcomes.
Employers in Hopkins, MO can achieve peace of mind and compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. It minimizes legal risks while enhancing safety and adherence.
By opting for hair tests, companies can ensure they meet compliance standards, reinforcing a safe and reliable work environment.
