Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying substance use. By embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fiber strands, hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug consumption. When harvested near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month usage period for alcohol and other drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp yields approximately 100mg, an optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It’s best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the primary incorporation of a sample into the lab system. This procedure ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial swift assessment for substances often abused. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that yield a presumptively positive result must undergo additional confirmation.
Upon receiving a presumptively positive result during Screening, a greater portion of hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Loma Linda, MO, hair follicle testing provides several advantages over traditional urine tests. One major benefit is its superior accuracy and reliability, detecting drug use over an extended time frame. While urine tests are commonly employed, hair testing offers unparalleled credibility, rendering it a preferred choice for employers seeking the most truthful results.
Employers in Loma Linda, MO, gain a thorough understanding of an applicant's drug history with hair follicle testing. This method identifies substance use over approximately 90 days, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual’s habits. The extended detection window outperforms urine tests, ensuring informed employment decisions.
Minimizing the risk of falsification, hair follicle testing in Loma Linda, MO, offers a tamper-proof approach to drug screening. This method provides reliable and uncontestable results, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration endured with other testing techniques. Employers can have confidence in the authenticity of the findings.
With numerous testing centers established nationwide, including Loma Linda, MO, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. The convenience of these locations makes securing drug tests simple and efficient, mitigating any disruption to individuals or businesses requiring these essential services.
In Loma Linda, MO, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private. Clients can easily order, take, and retrieve results confidentially. This seamless process addresses privacy concerns and promotes user-friendly experiences, essential for those who prioritize discretion in drug screening.
Offering competitive rates and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Loma Linda, MO, provides excellent value for various businesses. Affordable pricing structures ensure companies of any size have access to reliable tests without financial strain, while quick results enhance decision-making.
The precision of hair follicle tests is unmatched, offering highly accurate results in detecting substance use. Within Loma Linda, MO, this method ensures a swift and reliable way of screening for drugs, delivering trustworthy findings. The exactness of the procedure guarantees clients can trust in its outcomes, which are processed diligently.
Employers in Loma Linda, MO, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it efficiently ensures compliance with drug-free policies in the workplace. Adopting this testing method reduces legal liabilities and bolsters workplace safety by providing trustworthy screening for all employees.
