Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for the identification of alcohol and drug consumption. Hair offers an extended historical perspective of drug and alcohol use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When sourced close to the skin, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for various substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) located nearest to the scalp, will yield around 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four fundamental phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into a lab’s system. This phase includes validation that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most cases, a positive Screen must be verified to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any samples that test positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is sourced from the primary specimen to prepare for Extraction. During this step, the drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to conduct.
Confirmation for any preliminary positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive are washed as needed before confirmation. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Imperial, MO: The benefits of selecting hair testing over traditional urine testing are numerous. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy, capturing a longer history of substance use, which is crucial for thorough assessments.
Unlike urine tests, hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, ensuring reliability for employers and other authorities needing dependable results.
Extended Detection Window in Imperial, MO: Hair follicle testing offers a significantly larger timeframe for detecting drug use, up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive picture of an individual's substance history.
Employers benefit as they gain valuable insights into the past behaviors of applicants or employees, ensuring better-informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Imperial, MO: One of the standout features of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, guaranteeing unquestionable results that assure employers of the authenticity of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Imperial, MO: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that hair testing services are easily accessible. With locations nationwide, including local centers in Imperial, MO, obtaining tests is quick, easy, and hassle-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Imperial, MO: Our testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering tests to receiving results, each step is designed to be user-friendly, addressing privacy concerns and making the process accessible to all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Imperial, MO: Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. Coupled with quick turnaround times, we deliver peace of mind and assurance, ensuring that businesses receive their essential results promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Imperial, MO: Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering high precision in substance detection. The efficiency and speed of hair tests ensure that results are both prompt and trustworthy, providing peace of mind to employers seeking reliable records of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Imperial, MO: By using hair follicle testing, employers can confidently uphold drug-free workplace policies. This method not only aligns with compliance standards but also mitigates legal risks and enhances safety for all employees, fostering a secure and productive work environment.
