Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record over an extended period by preserving biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage over approximately a three-month span. The collection process is straightforward, making it challenging to tamper with, and it can be conveniently transported.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands, comparable in size to a #2 pencil, from the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis. For EtG, additional analyses, and evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferable. It is advised to verify the sample’s weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to hair from the scalp, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory analyzes drug test results through four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first incorporated into the lab’s system. The process ensures that the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any information not provided by an electronic custody chain.
Screening performs a preliminary check for substance abuse. While it is a cost-efficient strategy for ruling out drug use in most samples, positive findings require confirmation for legal proceedings. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging techniques.
Positive Screening results are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive are washed before Confirmation, when necessary. The lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and follows the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in McGee, MO
Hair follicle tests offer numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, with enhanced detection accuracy and unparalleled reliability. The longer detection period means hair tests can uncover patterns of substance use missed by urine testing, providing deeper insights into an individual's history.
Extended Detection Window in McGee, MO
In McGee, employers gain a significant advantage with hair follicle testing due to its ability to reveal drug use over an extended timeframe, reaching up to 90 days. This offers a comprehensive view into the substance history of applicants or employees, vastly superior to shorter-lived tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McGee, MO
Hair follicle testing minimizes the potential for sample manipulation, delivering results that are reliable and certain. This integrity in testing assures stakeholders that the findings are genuine, an important factor in high-stakes workplace safety and compliance scenarios.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in McGee, MO
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that individuals in McGee have ready access to testing services, streamlining the process with a focus on convenience. Nationwide availability promises testing with minimal delays, no matter the location.
Simple, Confidential Process in McGee, MO
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and private, alleviating concerns about confidentiality and complexity. Users can trust in the simplicity and discretion of our testing services in McGee.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in McGee, MO
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times bring exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. In McGee, companies can rely on cost-effective testing solutions that offer peace of mind without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McGee, MO
Hair follicle drug tests deliver quick and dependable outcomes. With high precision, they effectively identify substance use, providing peace of mind for organizations. Results are furnished expediently, ensuring that employers can swiftly address potential issues and maintain a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in McGee, MO
By employing hair follicle tests, employers can confidently ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks and elevates workplace safety, fostering an environment where compliance is seamlessly integrated into daily operations.
