Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands capture a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the hair's structure as it grows. When hair is cut near the scalp, it can unveil a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG screenings, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to gather 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If no scalp hair is present, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only the hair on the scalp. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. It entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and delivery, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any necessary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening incorporates an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method for excluding drug use in the majority of cases, positive results must be confirmed to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need further confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging procedure to implement.
Confirmation testing for any positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle within the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Linn, MO, outshines traditional urine testing by providing superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can identify substance use over an extended period, offering greater insight into an individual's history.
While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair follicle testing offers a longer detection window, making it a more reliable option. This gives employers and courts more comprehensive information when making decisions.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Linn, MO, allows employers to assess substance history over a period of up to 90 days. This provides a thorough overview of an individual's long-term drug use.
Employers benefit from hair follicle tests as they reveal chronic substance use, thus offering a broader perspective compared to other testing methods with limited time frames.
Hair follicle testing in Linn, MO, offers a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring unquestionable results. This makes it a trustworthy choice for employers and legal entities.
The integrity of hair tests is unmatched, as manipulation or substitution is nearly impossible, providing confidence in the testing outcomes and decisions based on them.
With various nationwide testing centers, including those in Linn, MO, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees convenient access to our services. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free testing experience.
Our widespread locations provide easy access for both individuals and companies, eliminating the stress often associated with arranging drug testing.
The process for conducting hair drug testing in Linn, MO, is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy is respected at each step. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed for ease of use.
We understand the importance of confidentiality, and our streamlined procedures ensure that clients' information is protected, providing peace of mind throughout the process.
In Linn, MO, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle tests. This combination provides exceptional value, especially for businesses monitoring employee compliance.
Our affordable pricing ensures that companies of all sizes can access high-quality testing services without breaking their budget, while also benefiting from quick results.
In Linn, MO, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and precise results. These tests are well-regarded for their ability to detect substance use accurately, offering peace of mind to both employers and individuals seeking to verify sobriety.
Hair follicle tests are known for their reliability, making them a preferred choice in situations where timely and accurate drug test results are crucial. The seamless process ensures that you receive results without unnecessary delays.
Using hair follicle testing in Linn, MO, provides ease of mind for employers, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety.
Employers can rely on hair testing to demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment, which is crucial for legal compliance and reputation management.