Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands during growth. When collected close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect hair, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch cluster of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, enhanced screenings, or tests above 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The main stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a lab's system. This process ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not already available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result during screening must be confirmed for court acceptability. Any samples that test presumptively positive must undergo a supplementary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are derived from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives are cleansed as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," this test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
In Lithium, MO, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine tests by offering extensive detection windows and robust accuracy. While urine tests may miss sporadic use due to shorter detection times, hair testing covers up to three months, providing a more reliable view of an individual's substance use history. This comprehensive insight is invaluable for maintaining a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing in Lithium, MO, stands out with its expansive detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This feature enables employers to gain a detailed understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance use history over the long term, reinforcing the thoroughness of their screening process and ensuring safer workplace practices.
In Lithium, MO, the reliability of hair follicle testing is unmatched due to its tamper-resistant nature. With this method, the chances of sample tampering or adulteration are drastically reduced, providing results that employers can trust. This security aspect is crucial in maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures.
Lithium, MO residents benefit from a network of nationwide and local centers dedicated to hair follicle testing. This accessibility guarantees that testing services are not only reliable but also convenient, allowing easy scheduling and minimal disruption to busy lifestyles. Quick access ensures seamless participation in testing programs.
In Lithium, MO, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering a test, collecting samples, and receiving results are simple steps handled with discretion. This confidentiality respects individual privacy, making the testing process stress-free and user-friendly for all participants.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround in Lithium, MO, hair follicle testing provides substantial value for businesses. Our affordability, paired with quick result delivery, supports efficient decision-making processes, accommodating companies of various sizes and ensuring a sound investment in workplace safety.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Lithium, MO, is unmatched. These tests offer rapid results without sacrificing accuracy, enabling swift decision-making for employers. Their high sensitivity ensures that even trace amounts of substances do not escape detection, making them a trusted option for thorough drug screening.
Using hair follicle testing in Lithium, MO, ensures employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities. By providing accurate and thorough results, this testing method enhances workplace safety and provides peace of mind for employers committed to maintaining a safe, drug-free environment.
