Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Montgomery City, MO

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an influential means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a chronic record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month observation window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the perfect specimen for screening and confirmation. For EtG assessments, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We recommend using a jeweler's scale for weighing. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be taken. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The procedure of a drug test result analysis in the lab consists of four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the early handling of a specimen within a laboratory's framework. This step includes validating that the specimen was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not available through an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening encompasses an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-friendly approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples considered presumptively positive during Screening require secondary affirmation.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the high complexity of performing hair drug analysis.

To affirm any positive result from screening, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as deemed necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow starting from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug analysis can trace drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a briefer detection period.
• Challenge to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is remarkably arduous, enhancing the credibility of results.
• Offers historical insights: It provides a trajectory of drug consumption over time, rather than merely recent intake.

Constraints:

• Incapable of detecting recent intake: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Elements like hair pigmentation and individual hair growth differences can impact the levels of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Commonly alluded to as "hair follicle tests", the testing process analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Advantage of Hair Testing in Montgomery City, MO
Hair testing offers a superior alternative to urine tests. The accuracy and reliability of hair follicle analysis provide sound evidence of substance use, often not captured as effectively by urine tests. This method excels in detection over an extended period, offering a comprehensive insight into an individual’s history of substance consumption.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Observation in Montgomery City, MO
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its extensive detection window. Spanning up to 90 days, this method allows employers to deeply assess an individual's substance history. This broader perspective grants employers a detailed understanding of a candidate or employee’s potential substance issues.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Unyielding Testing Integrity in Montgomery City, MO
Reducing the potential for tampering, hair follicle tests deliver trustworthy results. Due to their inherent nature, these tests significantly diminish the possibility of altering samples, ensuring that the results remain credible and straightforward, leaving no room for manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience Nationwide and Locally in Montgomery City, MO
The widespread presence of our testing centers across the nation ensures that access to hair follicle testing is straightforward and hassle-free. Local establishments in Montgomery City, MO echo this convenience, making testing procedures efficient and accessible to all who need them.

Simple, Confidential Process

Streamlined and Private Testing in Montgomery City, MO
Our process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering tests to obtaining results, each step is executed with privacy and ease in mind. This ensures that individuals experience a seamless process, free from complications and concerns about privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive Costs and Swift Results in Montgomery City, MO
We offer cost-effective pricing structures coupled with rapid result turnaround. This combination provides companies, regardless of size, excellent value. The assurance of fast responses with affordable costs translates to peace of mind and superior service for all clients.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Rapid and Precise Testing in Montgomery City, MO
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle testing offer a level of accuracy unrivaled by traditional methods. Not only does it pinpoint substance use with high accuracy, but the results are also expedited, ensuring that individuals and organizations receive reliable data promptly. This speed and accuracy make it an invaluable tool in substance detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Montgomery City, MO
By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers can bolster compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Not only does this minimize legal challenges, but it also enhances workplace safety. The certainty provided by these tests supports a secure and judicious working environment.

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