Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying the consumption of alcohol and drugs. Hair strands capture a long-term record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. A sample collected near the scalp can indicate drug and alcohol use for up to roughly a 3-month period. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, it's advisable to collect 150mg. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't present, the collection of an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other types including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in the laboratory comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially registered into the laboratory system. This process ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary and swift analysis for the presence of drugs. While Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug presence in most samples, any positive result must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that test positive during Screening must proceed to secondary confirmation.
If a sample screens positive, an additional portion of hair is extracted from the sample for further preparation. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods such as urine or oral fluids, highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive Screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually involves the hair strand rather than the follicle located under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lupus, MO
In the comparison of drug testing methods, hair follicle testing in Lupus, MO, supersedes traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing extends the detection window, tracing drug use back as far as 90 days, far outmatching urine tests' limited timeframe. This method provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Lupus, MO
Hair follicle drug testing offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days in identifying substance use. This greatly surpasses the capabilities of other testing methods such as urine tests, providing a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history.
Employers in Lupus, MO, benefit from this extended window by gaining insight into long-term substance use patterns of employees or candidates, ensuring informed hiring and retention practices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lupus, MO
The resilience of hair follicle testing against tampering makes it an excellent choice for reliable substance use detection. In Lupus, MO, this method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, as hair samples are challenging to alter or substitute compared to traditional tests.
This integrity in sample handling ensures authentic results, fostering trust and dependability in drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lupus, MO
Accredited Drug Testing offers unmatched convenience with comprehensive nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Lupus, MO, providing easy access to our services.
With numerous locations available, individuals and organizations can quickly find a center nearby, ensuring hassle-free and efficient drug testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lupus, MO
The drug testing process in Lupus, MO, is designed to be simple and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes user ease, from ordering tests to receiving results, ensuring a seamless and private experience for all clients.
Concerns about privacy are addressed through secure handling and reporting, making the testing procedure worry-free and transparent.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lupus, MO
Accredited Drug Testing in Lupus, MO, combines affordability with rapid turnaround times, offering impressive value. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that companies of all sizes can access reliable testing without financial strain.
Quick result delivery further adds to this value proposition, promoting peace of mind by minimizing waiting times.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lupus, MO
Hair follicle drug testing offers a notable edge with rapid and precise outcomes. Benefiting from cutting-edge techniques, these tests provide high accuracy in substance use detection, ensuring an impressive standard of reliability for both individuals and organizations in Lupus, MO.
Results from hair testing are generally available faster than other methods, allowing employers to make informed decisions swiftly. This streamlined process aids in maintaining workplace efficiency while adhering to drug-free guidelines.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lupus, MO
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures employers in Lupus, MO, can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The certainty provided by reliable test results reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by accurately catching substance use.
Employers can rest assured that this robust testing method upholds their standards, promoting a safer and more controlled work environment.
