Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as an effective mechanism for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period extending up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drug analysis. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four steps in processing a lab drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a specimen within a lab’s framework. This encompasses confirming the correct sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to potentially dismiss drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive result from screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Any provisionally positive samples in Screening require further affirmation.
When a sample indicates possible positivity during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples receive a wash preceding confirmation where necessary. The complete lab method from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed within both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and under ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle located under the scalp.
In Lincoln, MO, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior choice to traditional urine tests. The primary benefit is its extended detection window, capturing drug use over a longer timeframe compared to urine tests. Hair tests are less prone to tampering, ensuring a higher level of accuracy and reliability.
Hair tests offer reduced chances of manipulation, providing more accurate results and peace of mind over traditional urine tests. This robustness is why more employers are opting for hair follicle testing.
Hair follicle testing in Lincoln, MO, offers a significant advantage—a longer detection window of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a broader and more comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history, essential for maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended detection windows give employers in Lincoln the necessary insights into an applicant’s past, aiding in informed decision-making regarding hiring and maintaining workplace safety.
In Lincoln, MO, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces risks associated with sample adulteration. The testing method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, reinforcing trust in the accuracy of the test outcomes.
This robustness against tampering ensures that the results are a true reflection of an individual's drug use history, eliminating doubts and providing employers in Lincoln with confidence in their testing processes.
With convenient testing locations throughout Lincoln, MO, and nationwide, accessing hair follicle drug tests is quick and hassle-free. Our widespread network ensures that individuals and employers can easily schedule and perform necessary tests without inconvenience.
The strategic placement of testing centers helps cater to the needs of Lincoln residents, ensuring that testing is both accessible and efficient for all clients.
In Lincoln, MO, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns about drug testing processes.
The straightforward nature of hair testing in Lincoln ensures that individuals can undergo tests without stress, knowing that their information is handled securely and discreetly.
Hair follicle drug testing in Lincoln, MO, offers affordable pricing and rapid turnaround, delivering excellent value for companies of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures make it a viable option for maintaining workplace safety without overspending.
The quick processing ensures that results are delivered promptly, enabling employers to make timely decisions based on accurate data, a key advantage in today's demanding business environment.
In Lincoln, MO, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed in obtaining results. Their accuracy in identifying substance use is unmatched, providing quick and reliable results that help employers and institutions trust the data they receive.
Hair follicle tests are known for their ability to deliver fast results without compromising on accuracy, making them the preferred choice in many cases where time and reliability are crucial.
For employers in Lincoln, MO, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. This testing method offers peace of mind, knowing that their drug testing procedures are robust and effective.
Utilizing hair follicle tests helps employers maintain a safe work environment, reducing potential liabilities and supporting overall company safety objectives.
