Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as an indicator with an extended timeline for alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers about a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For comprehensive tests, like EtG and those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If head hair is not available, an equal amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory process for drug test results are as follows: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within the laboratory system. This phase ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data input not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening enables a quick preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it’s a cost-effective measure to determine non-drug usage in most samples, any positive results from Screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples deemed presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is gathered and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration from hair than in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging.
The Confirmation step for any positive screening outcome employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results are adequately washed before confirmation, if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is subject to review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lee's Summit, MO, hair follicle testing stands out for its ability to accurately detect substance use compared to traditional urine tests. Its extensive detection period considerably surpasses that of a urine test, ensuring detailed results.
Beyond reliability, the science behind hair testing supports its efficacy. Its proven accuracy offers a deeper insight into an individual's drug history, making it a preferred choice for employers dedicated to maintaining a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing, offered in Lee's Summit, MO, provides an extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This capability allows employers to gain valuable insights into the drug use history of their employees or candidates.
By examining hair samples, employers receive a comprehensive overview of potential substance misuse, promoting informed decision-making and enhancing workplace safety through a deeper understanding of individual histories.
In Lee's Summit, MO, the hair follicle test is essentially tamper-resistant, minimizing the risk of sample manipulation. This characteristic ensures the reliability of the results provided.
With its advanced methodology, hair testing offers employers reassurance that the findings are indisputable, creating a trustworthy screening method that upholds integrity without question.
In Lee's Summit, MO, accredited testing centers provide convenient access to comprehensive drug testing, with nationwide locations ensuring hassle-free services. This accessibility makes professional testing easy and straightforward.
With centers available in numerous locations, this setup ensures individuals and employers can conduct necessary drug tests quickly, promoting efficient and effective management of their testing needs without delays.
In Lee's Summit, MO, the hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring the privacy of individuals' information throughout every stage.
From ordering to receiving results, the emphasis on an easy-to-navigate process reduces any concerns about privacy breaches or complexity, ensuring a smooth, secure experience for all parties involved.
Lee's Summit, MO offers affordable pricing for hair follicle drug testing, making high-quality services accessible to organizations of diverse sizes. Competitive rates ensure cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality.
Our fast turnaround time further ensures that employers receive needed results quickly, promoting both efficient decision-making and maintaining safety within workplaces through prompt and reliable testing results.
In Lee's Summit, MO, hair follicle drug testing offers swift, precise results, setting a new standard for drug screening. The accuracy of these tests in detecting substance use is unparalleled, providing clear and reliable findings every time.
The method excels in delivering fast outcomes, saving valuable time without compromising accuracy. This efficiency makes hair testing an effective choice, enhancing productivity for employers seeking dependable drug screening solutions.
Employers in Lee's Summit, MO, can find peace of mind using hair follicle testing, which ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This testing method notably reduces the risk of legal issues.
The security and reliability offered by hair testing contribute to a safer work environment, emphasizing its role in sustaining safety and compliance across various industries with minimal risk.
