Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands, hair offers a prolonged timeline of drug presence, especially when strands are cut near the scalp, enabling a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The process of hair collection is easy, hard to tamper with, and feasible for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield approximately 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, added panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring is advised. In cases where scalp hair cannot be collected, the same quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair specifically refers to hair from the scalp, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The critical phases in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial inclusion of a sample into a laboratory's database. This step encompasses confirming that the sample was adequately sealed and dispatched, making a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplemental data insertion not achieved by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening ensures an expedited preliminary check for abusive substances. Although Screening efficiently eliminates drug presence in most samples, positive findings must be verified for court acceptance. Presumed positive samples from Screening require further validation.
For samples marking positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. At this phase, drugs are collected from the hair in much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive Screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked positive are cleansed before confirmation where necessary. The entire laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is appraised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
It's important to note that although often called "hair follicle tests", this testing evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Lockwood, MO, hair follicle testing serves as an advantageous alternative to urine testing. Notable for its superior detection accuracy and reliability, this method offers a comprehensive analysis of substance use over an extended period. Hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests by providing a more reliable portrayal of an individual’s drug use history.
Extended Detection Window
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Lockwood, MO, is unparalleled. This method captures a history of drug use spanning up to 90 days. It empowers employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of a candidate or employee’s substance use history, offering valuable insights during hiring processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests provide a significant advantage in Lockwood, MO, by greatly reducing the potential for sample adulteration. This testing method ensures reliable, trustworthy results, minimizing the likelihood of tampering and providing irrefutable outcomes for employers and professionals seeking definitive answers.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
The accessible nationwide testing centers, including in Lockwood, MO, allow for quick and hassle-free access to testing services. This ensures minimal disruption and easy access to reliable testing facilities, supporting timely and convenient testing processes.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Lockwood, MO, the process for ordering and completing a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and confidential. Privacy is prioritized, ensuring individuals receive their results swiftly and securely, without compromising personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times in Lockwood, MO, highlight our commitment to providing excellent value. Our services cater to companies of all sizes, delivering affordability and swift results for peace of mind and efficient business conduct.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Lockwood, MO, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and precise results. They offer exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use, providing peace of mind to employers and professionals. By selecting this testing method, individuals gain an accurate depiction of substance usage, backed by a quick and efficient process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In the context of Lockwood, MO, hair follicle testing promotes adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method significantly lowers legal risks and enhances workplace safety, allowing employers to maintain a compliant and secure environment effectively.
