Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it is somewhat resistant to tampering, and it can be shipped with ease.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial processing of a sample within the laboratory system. This step involves checking that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for potential drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, positive results require further confirmation to ensure they hold up in legal settings. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screen is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Any samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation, as needed. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is preferred in Nixa, MO for its superior detection capabilities over traditional urine tests. It offers enhanced detection accuracy, providing more reliable insights into an individual's substance use history, which is particularly beneficial to employers and legal entities.
Hair follicle testing effectively identifies drug consumption over a much longer period, up to 90 days, in Nixa, MO. This extended detection window gives employers a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance history, aiding in making informed hiring or monitoring decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing considerably lowers the risk of sample adulteration. In Nixa, MO, this testing method gives users confidence in its authenticity, providing results that are both reliable and beyond reproach.
The available nationwide testing centers, including those in Nixa, MO, offer convenience to users, ensuring easy access to testing services without hassle. This widespread availability supports quick and efficient testing processes for individuals and employers alike.
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Nixa, MO is simple and confidential. Users can count on maintaining their privacy and experiencing ease of use throughout the testing procedure.
Our competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle tests a cost-effective solution in Nixa, MO. Companies of all sizes can enjoy excellent value while benefiting from the fast and reliable results these tests provide.
In Nixa, MO, hair follicle drug tests promise speed and precision, delivering results quickly and reliably. The high accuracy of these tests ensures that substance usage is detected with a remarkable level of precision, making them a top choice for those seeking dependable results.
Using hair follicle testing in Nixa, MO helps ensure compliance with workplace drug policies, offering peace of mind by reducing legal risks and enhancing safety in the work environment. Employers benefit from its accuracy and reliability in maintaining drug-free workplaces.
