Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a potent instrument in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strand's fibers capture biomarkers, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug traces for up to approximately three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is reasonably challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to the circumference of a #2 pencil), yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analysis, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, the same amount of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the sample's initial entry into the lab system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary and rapid drug abuse assessment. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. All samples with a presumptive positive from screening require further confirmation.
For samples with a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of a positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Martinsburg, MO, hair follicle testing stands out over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. Where urine tests can sometimes fall short, hair analysis offers unmatched reliability, effectively detecting substances that may go unnoticed using conventional methods.
Employers in Martinsburg, MO, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing. This method empowers them with insights into an individual's past three months of substance use, granting a 90-day comprehensive look and, as such, a better evaluation of an applicant or employee’s history.
Hair follicle tests in Martinsburg, MO, drastically diminish the likelihood of sample adulteration. The inherent tamper-resistant nature of this testing process ensures that results are impartial and reliable, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the outcome.
Convenience is key with Accredited Drug Testing's centers nationwide and in Martinsburg, MO. Our expansive reach ensures individuals have quick and easy access, facilitating a hassle-free experience at our strategically positioned testing locations.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures a simple and confidential process in Martinsburg, MO. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is prioritized, addressing user concerns effectively and making the process as seamless as possible.
In Martinsburg, MO, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times set us apart. By offering affordable options alongside swift processing, we deliver great value and peace of mind for businesses of varying sizes seeking reliable testing solutions.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Martinsburg, MO, are unparalleled. This method delivers fast and reliable results, being adept at accurately detecting a range of substances. When time is of the essence, the efficacy of the hair follicle approach becomes an invaluable asset.
For employers in Martinsburg, MO, hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method alleviates legal concerns while enhancing safety, providing unparalleled peace of mind for businesses maintaining strict substance-free policies.
