Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for uncovering substance and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands, hair offers a comprehensive timeline of drug and alcohol usage. When cut close to the scalp, it can reveal substance use for approximately three months. Hair is straightforward to obtain, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hairs (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy in weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn’t present, the same quantity of body hair can be used. Scalp hair references head hair only, while body hair includes all other types (like facial or axillary).
Procedure Outline
The laboratory processing of a drug analysis result comprises four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial stage of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This process confirms the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any necessary data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a swift preliminary drug abuse check. Although a cost-saving approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally binding. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This stage isolates drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation is performed for any positive screening result using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as needed before confirmation. The process from Accessioning to Confirmation is rigorously evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug screening:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Jacksonville, MO, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests with its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to detecting recent drug consumption, hair tests analyze substance use history over a longer period, thus offering a more comprehensive analysis. This enhanced detection accuracy is crucial for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies.
Hair follicle tests in Jacksonville, MO, provide a significant advantage with their extended detection window. By detecting drug use up to 90 days prior, employers gain insight into an individual’s long-term substance use, surpassing the limited timeframe of urine tests. This broader perspective is vital for making informed employment decisions.
Jacksonville, MO, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. As samples are collected in a controlled setting and the testing method itself leaves little room for adulteration, the reliability and integrity of the results are upheld, significantly reducing any potential doubt in the findings.
Our widespread network of testing centers, encompassing Jacksonville, MO, coupled with nationwide locations, provides unmatched convenience. This accessibility ensures that individuals can easily undertake tests without any geographical barriers, facilitating swift and hassle-free testing procedures.
The hair follicle testing process in Jacksonville, MO, is designed for simplicity and privacy. Ordering a test, providing a sample, and receiving the results are seamless and confidential, eliminating concerns over privacy while ensuring ease of use for individuals seeking testing services.
Offering competitive pricing and expedient service, hair follicle testing in Jacksonville, MO, presents excellent value. Fast turnaround times and budget-friendly options make it a practical choice for businesses of any size, ensuring efficient testing without compromising on quality.
Hair follicle drug tests offer quick and dependable outcomes, making them a top choice in Jacksonville, MO. The accuracy in detecting substance use is impressive, as results are typically returned in a matter of days and provide a clear indication of an individual’s drug history. The rapid turnaround and reliable outcomes provide confidence in the testing process.
Employers in Jacksonville, MO, find compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. By ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, it mitigates legal risks and bolsters workplace safety. The thoroughness of hair testing helps employers maintain a secure and efficient workforce environment.
