Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within its strands, offering a long-term view of substance use. Hair samples taken near the scalp can reveal up to a 3-month period of substance use. It is straightforward to collect, relatively immune to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is absent, equivalent body hair may be used. 'Head hair' pertains specifically to scalp hair, while 'body hair' includes all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial sample processing within the laboratory system; this step confirms proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid analysis for commonly abused drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive result must undergo Confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Presumed positive samples from Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are sourced from hair samples at a lower concentration when compared with other testing methods (e.g., urine or saliva), marking hair drug screening as a sophisticated endeavor.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques validate any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples are washed before the final Confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is subjected to a review based on the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the scalp-embedded hair follicle.
In Lohman, MO, hair follicle testing trumps urine-based methods due to superior detection capabilities. One advantage of hair testing is the extensive detection window that captures long-term substance use trends. Accuracy and reliability are enhanced since hair can retain evidence of substance use much longer than urine, making it a preferred choice for employers keen on comprehensive assessments.
With an extended detection period, hair follicle testing in Lohman, MO, provides employers a detailed perspective on an individual’s drug history. Unlike other tests, hair provides a retrospective analysis that can cover up to 90 days of usage. This extended window allows for a comprehensive evaluation of substance consumption patterns, helping management make informed decisions backed by detailed data.
Hair follicle tests in Lohman, MO, present a tamper-resistant option, significantly lowering the chance of sample tampering. This method involves direct collection from the scalp under observation, reducing the possibility of adulteration. For employers and legal professionals, hair testing represents a reliable and definitive approach to substance testing that assures accuracy.
Offering convenience, our testing facilities are available throughout the country and right here in Lohman, MO. With numerous locations, testing accessibility is both quick and straightforward, facilitating easy entry to essential testing services. Whether local or nationwide, our facilities cater to diverse needs, ensuring testing is always within reach.
The hair follicle testing process in Lohman, MO, is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving test results, the procedure respects privacy concerns and ease of use, ensuring individuals can complete the requirements without hassle. Our processes are built to provide seamless service from start to finish, with customer privacy as a top priority.
In Lohman, MO, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and rapid turnaround, making high-quality testing accessible for companies of any size. We pride ourselves on competitive rates and quick result delivery, ensuring every business receives exceptional value and peace of mind. Fast results back our cost-effective solutions, allowing employers to make timely and informed decisions.
The precision and agility of hair follicle drug tests in Lohman, MO, set them apart in substance detection. Their rapid turnaround time means faster results for both individuals and employers. Accurate outcomes are a hallmark, thanks to the enriched process that scrutinizes hair samples cut from the root, ensuring substance use detection is both meticulously accurate and speedy.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Lohman, MO, furnishes employers with the peace of mind that comes from maintaining drug-free workplace policies. This testing method ensures compliance, reduces legal liability, and promotes a safe working environment. Employers can rely on these tests to align with safety and legal standards while protecting the company’s integrity.