Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When harvested near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and it is easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) positioned nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the quintessential amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. Specifically, 'head hair' refers solely to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Outline
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is integrated into a laboratory's system. This stage ensures the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening efficiently eliminates drug usage in most samples, any positive findings need to be verified for legal admissibility. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require confirmatory testing.
Should a sample be judged as positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), establishing hair drug testing as a challenging technique.
Confirmation for any Screening-positive results occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Marshfield, MO, offers a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests. With better accuracy and reliability, hair tests provide a clearer insight into substance use.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing boasts a longer detection window and higher cheating resistance, making it preferable for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Hair follicle testing extends the detection window to up to 90 days, providing a fuller picture of substance use over time. This is especially beneficial for employers in Marshfield, MO, seeking a long-term view of an employee's habits.
With this extended detection period, hair follicle testing reveals patterns of use that might otherwise remain concealed with shorter detection methods like urine tests.
Hair follicle tests in Marshfield, MO, offer a robust method against sample tampering, ensuring reliable results. Because the sample is collected under supervision, the possibility of adulteration is minimized.
This testing method significantly decreases the risk of manipulation, providing results that can be trusted for both legal and professional purposes.
With testing centers throughout the nation, Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient and accessible solutions for hair follicle testing in Marshfield, MO. The ease of access to our facilities simplifies the need for testing considerably.
No matter where you are, our vast network ensures that you are never far from a testing center, providing hassle-free service for all your testing needs.
In Marshfield, MO, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, confidentiality and ease of use are prioritized.
This streamlined process ensures peace of mind for those concerned about privacy, while still providing thorough and reliable results.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Marshfield, MO, economical and efficient. This affordability does not compromise on the quality or speed of the results.
Companies of all sizes can benefit from the excellent value this service provides, managing drug testing needs without overextending budgets.
Hair follicle testing in Marshfield, MO, is distinguished by its rapid and precise results. The method provides high accuracy in detecting substance use, allowing for straightforward and confident decisions.
In this fast-paced world, the need for quick and reliable drug test results is crucial. Hair follicle tests not only meet but exceed these expectations, offering swift and precise analysis that employers and individuals can trust.
By incorporating hair follicle testing, employers in Marshfield, MO, can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risk and enhancing employee safety.
This testing provides peace of mind, knowing that the organization is compliant and that the work environment is safer and more productive.