Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains traces of alcohol and drugs, capturing biomarkers within the strand's fibers. When hair closest to the scalp is collected, it offers a detection period of up to about 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5-inch with roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For testing EtG, including add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into the lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective means to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results are washed as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," these tests actually assess the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing in Louisburg, MO are significant. Hair testing grants superior detection capabilities as substances remain detectable substantially longer than in urine. The precision and reliability of hair tests ensure accurate insights into substance consumption habits, far surpassing the limitations of conventional urine tests.
Why It Matters: Extended detectability, heightened accuracy.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing in Louisburg, MO is its extended detection period, covering up to 90 days. This broader timeframe enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history. Hair tests offer a more complete view beyond the brief detection period typical with urine tests.
Advantage: Long detection window, comprehensive insight.
In Louisburg, MO, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant alternative for drug screening. This testing method reduces the risk of sample adulteration significantly, ensuring that results are both reliable and unquestionable. Its difficult-to-manipulate nature provides confidence that test outcomes are genuine and untainted.
Key Feature: Reduces sample tampering, trustworthy outcome.
In Louisburg, MO, and beyond, our expansive network of testing centers provides convenient access to hair follicle drug testing. These nationwide locations ensure a swift, easy, and hassle-free testing experience for everyone, making testing globally accessible regardless of geographic constraints.
Convenience: Nationwide and local coverage, accessible service.
For citizens of Louisburg, MO, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test, and finally receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use. Understanding the concerns for discretion, our procedures respect confidentiality at all levels.
Process: Streamlined, confidential.
At competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Louisburg, MO is both cost-effective and rapid. Our commitment to affordable services, paired with fast turnaround times, offers excellent value. Businesses of all sizes find reassurance in our reliable and economically wise testing solutions.
Value: Cost-effective, quick results.
Hair follicle testing in Louisburg, MO is known for delivering fast and precise results. One major advantage is its high accuracy in identifying various substances, offering a much-needed reliability factor for those requiring dependable drug screening methods. Such tests can significantly enhance the credibility of drug testing, providing quick and reliable conclusions.
Benefits: Efficient processing, high accuracy.
Using hair follicle drug tests in Louisburg, MO helps employers align with drug-free workplace policies effortlessly. By adopting this reliable testing approach, companies can diminish legal risks and foster a safer workplace environment. The accuracy of hair tests ensures a solid foundation for compliance and peace of mind for employers.
Benefit: Enhanced safety, compliance assurance.