Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record for alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for preliminary testing and follow-up confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest the specimen be weighed on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases involved in laboratory processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This process verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result mandates confirmation for legal proceedings. All Screening-presumptive-positive samples necessitate subsequent confirmation.
When a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drug content is extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marston, MO
When it comes to accuracy and reliability, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Marston, MO. Hair tests offer an extensive detection range, capturing substance use over an extended period, which urine tests often miss. This superiority in detection accuracy makes hair testing preferable for those seeking more definitive results.
Extended Detection Window in Marston, MO
Hair follicle testing in Marston, MO, extends the detection window for drug use up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history. This expansive timeframe offers a more detailed assessment compared to other testing methods, ensuring a comprehensive overview of drug usage patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marston, MO
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned in Marston, MO, for their tamper-resistant nature. The method greatly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration, offering results that are credible and indisputable. This ensures that the testing process remains reliable and the outcomes beyond question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marston, MO
With an extensive network of testing centers across the nation and local availability in Marston, MO, accessing drug testing services is seamless and convenient. Our widespread presence ensures that individuals and employers can easily complete testing with minimal inconvenience in a location nearby.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marston, MO
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results in Marston, MO, is straightforward and confidential. This discrete method addresses any privacy concerns while ensuring ease throughout each stage, from initiation to completion, affording peace of mind to all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marston, MO
In Marston, MO, our hair follicle drug testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. Businesses of all sizes benefit from the great value we provide, ensuring an efficient and cost-effective solution to maintaining a drug-free environment without compromising on speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marston, MO
In Marston, MO, hair follicle drug tests offer precise and prompt results. The accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use is unmatched, providing swift outcomes with exceptional precision. The method’s reliability ensures that results are both trustworthy and timely, making it a preferred choice for drug detection in the region.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marston, MO
Employers in Marston, MO, can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal exposures and promotes a safer working environment, providing employers with reassurance as well as aligning with regulatory requirements for drug testing.
