Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as a powerful method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug use within an approximately 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering with it is challenging, and it is easily shipped.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair—ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal portion of body hair can be used. When the term head hair is used, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair refers to other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample gets cataloged into a laboratory’s system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is potentially positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug testing methods in Horton, MO, hair follicle tests stand out against traditional urine testing. Detection accuracy and reliability are paramount benefits of hair follicle testing. Unlike urine tests, which capture more recent use, hair testing provides a holistic view of substance use over time, offering a superior indication of an individual's drug history.
The appeal of hair follicle testing in Horton, MO lies in its extended detection window. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis detects substance use over a period of up to 90 days, providing employers with a broad overview of an individual’s substance history. This prolonged detection capability ensures a more complete understanding of an applicant or employee's drug use habits.
In Horton, MO, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle drug testing sets it apart. The potential for sample adulteration is drastically reduced, as it is nearly impossible to alter hair samples. This ensures tests yield reliable results, providing peace of mind with their unquestionable accuracy and validity. Hair testing offers an assurance unmatched by other methods.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including accessible locations in Horton, MO, our services ensure effortless access to drug testing. Quick and hassle-free, our locations are designed to meet your needs efficiently. Nationwide centers provide a streamlined approach, facilitating easy and rapid testing procedures, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Our drug testing process in Horton, MO is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed with privacy in mind. Understanding concerns about personal information, we maintain a confidential approach every step of the way, ensuring ease of use alongside stringent privacy measures.
In Horton, MO, drug testing is offered with affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Competitive pricing structures ensure value for companies of all sizes, delivering cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. Quick result delivery adds an additional layer of reassurance, enhancing the overall experience.
Hair follicle drug testing in Horton, MO is renowned for its unparalleled precision and speed. This method provides high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring results you can trust. Speed and precision are critical in drug testing, offering both reliability and rapid turnaround. By choosing hair follicle tests, you are opting for a method that delivers timely, dependable outcomes.
Employers in Horton, MO find peace of mind through hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and boosts safety within the workplace. Hair testing supports compliance and creates a safer working environment, providing employers the assurance of adhering to company and legal standards.
