Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and when testing exceeds 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The principal stages in laboratory drug test result processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for drugs. While it's an economical approach to exclude drug intake for most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Positive screening results undergo confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Hair Drug Testing Advantages:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mount Leonard, MO
In Mount Leonard, MO, hair follicle testing triumphs over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. Accuracy and Reliability make hair testing a preferred choice for employers. Hair tests can uncover drug use for up to 90 days, providing a far-reaching assessment unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection window and can be less reliable.
Extended Detection Window in Mount Leonard, MO
Employers in Mount Leonard benefit from hair follicle testing's extensive detection period. This method reviews substance history over a remarkable duration of up to 90 days, enabling a thorough understanding of one's past drug use. For businesses, this means a more complete picture of an employee or applicant's history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mount Leonard, MO
Hair follicle testing significantly curtails the risk of sample adulteration, providing Mount Leonard employers with reliable and unquestionable results. The collection and analysis method of hair samples makes it extremely challenging for individuals to manipulate results, ensuring the integrity of the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mount Leonard, MO
Mount Leonard holds convenience at its core with readily accessible testing centers. Nationwide facilities ensure prompt and effortless access to hair follicle testing services. This accessibility allows for quick, easy, and hassle-free approaches to drug testing, saving time and resources for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mount Leonard, MO
In Mount Leonard, the hair follicle testing process remains simple and confidential. From ordering tests to obtaining results, this method respects privacy and is designed for user-friendliness, reassuring participants about their confidentiality and the ease of navigating the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mount Leonard, MO
With competitive pricing in Mount Leonard, hair follicle testing ensures affordable solutions for businesses of all scales. The fast turnaround of results pairs well with cost-effectiveness, offering companies excellent value along with the peace of mind that accompanies financial prudence and expedient outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mount Leonard, MO
Hair follicle drug testing in Mount Leonard offers rapid and precise results, making it a trustworthy method for substance detection. The high accuracy of hair testing ensures that individuals and organizations receive definitive results promptly, allowing for swift decision-making based on confirmed evidence of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mount Leonard, MO
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows Mount Leonard employers to align with drug-free workplace policies efficiently. Ensuring compliance reduces potential legal issues and augments workplace safety, offering companies the peace of mind that comes with maintaining a safe and regulated work environment.
