Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can present a detection period of up to around 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. When referencing head hair, it relates solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in a laboratory’s drug test result processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a specimen within a lab’s system. This involves checking that the specimen was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening signifies an initial rapid verification for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a much weaker concentration than in alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is enacted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Manchester, MO
In Manchester, MO, hair follicle testing offers superior advantages compared to traditional urine tests. The accuracy and reliability of hair samples mean a more comprehensive detection process, exposing even minimal traces of drug use.
As opposed to urine tests, which have shorter detection periods, hair tests identify substances consumed up to 90 days prior. This makes them an important tool for employers and legal entities aiming for thorough substance screening.
Extended Detection Window in Manchester, MO
Hair follicle tests used in Manchester, MO offer an impressive 90-day detection period, far surpassing other testing methods. This long window is crucial for employers seeking an extensive review of an individual’s substance use history.
By covering such an ample timeframe, hair testing provides invaluable insights that can influence hiring and employment decisions more effectively than shorter-duration tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Manchester, MO
Hair follicle drug tests in Manchester, MO significantly mitigate the risk of adulteration, offering unrivaled reliability. The test's inherent resilience against tampering ensures that test results remain trustworthy and unquestionable.
The robustness of hair testing against manipulation offers peace of mind to employers and legal entities who depend on authentic and dependable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Manchester, MO
With centers nationwide, including in Manchester, MO, accessing hair testing services is straightforward. The convenience of numerous local sites ensures that testing is quick and hassle-free, meeting the needs of all clients effectively.
Clients can choose from a range of locations for their tests, making the process flexible and accessible, reducing stress associated with urgent testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Manchester, MO
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results for hair follicle tests in Manchester, MO is an easy and private process. This user-friendly approach ensures all concerns of privacy and usage simplicity are addressed effectively.
From start to finish, the testing process is designed to protect client confidentiality while delivering clear, actionable outcomes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Manchester, MO
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle tests in Manchester, MO offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Companies benefit from affordable solutions without sacrificing the speed and reliability needed for crucial decisions.
Fast processing times ensure that results are promptly delivered, supporting efficient decision-making processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Manchester, MO
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and dependable outcomes when detecting substance use in Manchester, MO. Their high precision significantly enhances the ability to identify drug or alcohol consumption accurately, vastly improving reliability over other testing methods.
Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures that outcomes are not only timely but also consistent. This efficiency is paramount for organizations requiring swift and unerring assessments to maintain safe environments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Manchester, MO
Hair follicle testing helps employers in Manchester, MO maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This effective testing method reduces legal risks and heightens workplace safety, offering employers confidence in their hiring and employment processes.
Adopting hair testing signifies proactive compliance measures, reinforcing trust both internally and externally.