Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the roots, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window of detection for substances such as alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, provides some resistance to tampering, and is simple to transport.
Gathering 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If head hair is unavailable, the same quantity of body hair can be used. Here, head hair strictly refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s records. This step involves ensuring that the sample remains sealed and is shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug usage across most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal validity. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening demand a secondary confirmation process.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lesser concentrations than in other testing methods (such as urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed “hair follicle tests,†the analysis inspects the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mindenmines, MO: Hair tests offer unmatched benefits over urine tests, providing a longer detection window and improved reliability. The accuracy in identifying drug usage patterns makes it difficult to deceive, presenting a more thorough snapshot of substance use history compared to conventional urine testing methods.
Extended Detection Window in Mindenmines, MO: Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use spanning up to 90 days. This extended timeframe offers employers an in-depth view of an individual's substance use history, ensuring more informed decisions about hiring or ongoing employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mindenmines, MO: The integrity of hair follicle testing is robust against manipulation, markedly reducing the instances of sample tampering. This method ensures the authenticity of the results, providing a trustworthy foundation for evaluating drug use and maintaining compliance.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mindenmines, MO: The accessibility of our testing services is unbeatable, with locations scattered nationwide, including in Mindenmines. This ensures that drug tests can be conducted swiftly and with ease, satisfying the convenience needs of both employers and individuals.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mindenmines, MO: Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. Ordering, undergoing, and obtaining results from a hair follicle test is efficient, reassuring privacy and ease of use while addressing concerns over confidentiality and user-friendly procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mindenmines, MO: Our competitive pricing models paired with swift turnaround times provide exceptional value. These benefits cater to the needs of businesses of all sizes, ensuring financial practicality and peace of mind due to prompt and reliable service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mindenmines, MO: Hair follicle drug tests excel in providing quick and precise detection of substance abuse. These tests offer superior accuracy, assisting in uncovering patterns of drug use comprehensively. Their speed enhances decision-making efficiency, making them a preferred choice for timely assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mindenmines, MO: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps assure compliance with rigorous workplace drug policies. It diminishes legal concerns and fosters a safer, more reliable work environment, contributing significantly to employer confidence and peace of mind.
