Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of around three months for drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and efficiently shippable.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hairs (roughly #2 pencil size) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, collecting an equivalent amount of body hair is an option. 'Head hair' specifically means scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, involving the entry of the sample into a lab’s system. This step confirms proper sample sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any pending data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary detection of drugs. Although a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Samples that test positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
At the Extraction stage, further hair is extracted from the original sample if Screening indicates potential drug presence. Here, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing particularly complex.
Confirmation of positive screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly misnamed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Murphy, MO
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing, the former emerges superior in detection accuracy. Hair analysis delivers more reliable results over extended periods. Advantages include:
Extended Detection Window in Murphy, MO
Hair follicle testing shines with its prolonged detection period, capturing drug use over 90 days. Benefits:
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Murphy, MO
One of the main strengths of hair follicle tests is their tamper-resistant nature, ensuring test integrity. Benefits:
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Murphy, MO
Our expansive network of testing centers covers the nation, including local sites, ensuring quick, easy access to services in Murphy, MO. Features:
Simple, Confidential Process in Murphy, MO
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is streamlined and private. Attributes:
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Murphy, MO
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering exceptional value to businesses of any size. Benefits:
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Murphy, MO
Hair follicle tests offer swift and precise substance detection. Their accuracy is unmatched, ensuring that those in Murphy, MO get the most dependable results. Benefits include:
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Murphy, MO
Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures adherence to drug-free workplace standards. This reduces legal risks and bolsters safety. Advantages include:
