Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drugs by trapping biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for identifying alcohol and drug use. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirming results. For EtG, additional tests, or those beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair includes other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory processing involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially entered into a lab’s system. This process verifies the sample’s integrity by checking if it was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. While Screening effectively rules out drug use in most samples at a lower cost, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal proceedings. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening require additional confirmation testing.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is selected from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those found in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most complex to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive readings undergo a washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory proceedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
McCord Bend, MO, recognizes that hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in several categories. One major advantage is heightened detection accuracy, identifying drug use over longer periods, unlike traditional urine tests. This reliability makes hair testing a favorable option.
The extended detection scope of hair testing offers a thorough picture of an individual's substance use history. This contributes to better decisions for employers, as opposed to the limitations observed in urine tests.
In McCord Bend, MO, the hair follicle testing method is exemplary at detecting drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. This offers employers a detailed overview of an employee's or candidate's substance history.
The ability to look back over several months gives organizations a comprehensive perspective on substance use, aiding in making informed decisions and supporting more stringent workplace policies.
McCord Bend, MO, recognizes that hair follicle testing is highly tamper-resistant, providing reliable results. Compared to other methods, hair tests significantly diminish the risk of sample adulteration, promising undeniable outcomes.
This method maintains the integrity of the testing process, ensuring that results are trustworthy for employers, legal systems, and individuals needing clear substance evaluations.
Accessing hair follicle testing in McCord Bend, MO, is effortless with our nationwide and local centers. Conveniently located facilities ensure that testing is quick and hassle-free, making it straightforward to meet testing needs.
This broad location network ensures that timely testing services are readily available, providing ultimate convenience for individuals and employers alike who require easy accessibility.
In McCord Bend, MO, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, the procedure addresses all privacy concerns, ensuring users' information is secure.
This enables individuals and organizations to use the testing services with confidence, knowing that their personal and sensitive information is managed with the utmost care and discretion.
The testing services in McCord Bend, MO, offer affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, providing great value. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive rates and efficient service.
This ensures that drug testing remains accessible without compromising quality or speed, assisting businesses in maintaining workplace standards while considering budget constraints.
In McCord Bend, MO, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their remarkable precision and speed in providing results. Employers and individuals benefit from their high accuracy level, which ensures reliable outcomes when detecting substance use, making them a superior choice.
Furthermore, the tests efficiently track drug consumption due to their cutting-edge methodologies. This speed and accuracy allow organizations to swiftly make informed decisions with full confidence in the results obtained.
For employers in McCord Bend, MO, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, providing peace of mind. This method supports reducing potential legal risks while enhancing overall safety.
By reinforcing zero-tolerance policies, organizations can create a safer work environment, protecting both the company's interests and its employees, promoting an atmosphere of trust and reliability.
