Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers extensive insights into alcohol and drug usage by locking biomarkers within the fibers of the burgeoning hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection timeframe of nearly three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional screenings, and/or panels greater than 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not present, an equivalent mass of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four primary actions: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s apparatus. This covers verifying that the specimen was accurately sealed and couriered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening is a preliminary brisk assessment for potential drugs of abuse. While Screening is economical for invalidating drug use throughout most samples, positive screenings necessitate validation to be considered court-admissible. Any specimen that appears positive in Screening mandates subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positively screened results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo a cleaning process before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Verification, is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Knob Lick, MO, why does hair follicle testing stand out over urine tests? The extended detection period of up to 90 days provides an exhaustive overview of drug history, unlike urine tests that offer only a short detection window. Hair tests are ideal for employers, giving insights into consistent substance use, enhancing clearer appraisal and evaluation over traditional methods.
In Knob Lick, MO, hair follicle testing shines with its extended detection window, effectively revealing a history of drug use up to 90 days. This comprehensive span allows employers clear insight into an individual's substance history, proving especially beneficial for pre-employment screenings and ongoing evaluations, surpassing the capabilities of shorter-term tests.
Tamper-resistant features of hair follicle testing make it a reliable choice in Knob Lick, MO, diminishing risks of sample adulteration effectively. The testing method ensures unquestionable results, providing assurance for employers and legal authorities that rely on precise data for decision-making, significantly reducing manipulation risks linked with other testing methods.
Offering convenience, our testing centers nationwide, including those in Knob Lick, MO, provide quick, easy access to services. With locations spread across the nation, scheduling a hair follicle test is simplified, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free experience, catering to diverse testing needs effectively and promptly.
In Knob Lick, MO, the process of hair follicle testing is notably straightforward and confidential. From ordering a test to getting results, the process addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. This approach assures individuals of confidentiality, building trust in handling sensitive health-related data.
Competitive pricing paired with a fast turnaround makes hair follicle testing in Knob Lick, MO an advantageous choice for businesses. By offering excellent value, companies save on costs while receiving swift results, suiting organizations of any size, from small enterprises to large corporations.
The hair follicle drug test in Knob Lick, MO is renowned for its speed and precision. Results are not only swift but maintain a remarkable accuracy in detecting substances. This method efficiently identifies drug use, offering quick and dependable outcomes suitable for various testing needs, from workplaces to legal requirements.
For Knob Lick, MO employers, choosing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly enhancing safety and reducing legal risks. Adopting this testing method offers peace of mind, supporting employers with reliable data to maintain a safe and compliant work environment, reflecting a commitment to a healthier workplace culture.