Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a potent means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. The strands offer a comprehensive timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the growing fibers. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol consumption for up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is less susceptible to tampering, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample size of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil diameter) taken nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional components, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent body hair quantity can be gathered. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s framework. This stage involves affirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse indicators. While cost-effective for eliminating drug usage suspicions in most cases, positive screenings necessitate confirmation for legal validation. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in the Screening phase must undergo further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva testing), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening confirmations are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples identified as presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, hair testing in Normandy, MO proves superior. With enhanced detection accuracy, these tests deliver reliable insights into an individual's substance use over an extended timeframe whereas urine tests might only capture recent consumption. This makes hair testing ideal for employers aiming to implement stringent drug-free policies, minimizing the risk of overlooking drug use habits.
The hair follicle drug test in Normandy, MO offers an extended detection window, capturing drug usage history up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough understanding of an employee or applicant's substance habits over time, offering a more comprehensive assessment than typical methods. This capability ensures informed hiring decisions, enhancing workplace safety and reliability.
Hair follicle testing in Normandy, MO significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering compared to other methods. Due to its design, which involves obtaining a hair sample, it is extremely difficult to adulterate or substitute. This ensures the reliability and trustworthiness of the results, providing stakeholders with confidence in the integrity of the testing process.
With Accredited Drug Testing, accessing hair follicle tests has never been easier for Normandy, MO residents. Our numerous nationwide testing centers offer seamless access to reliable services. Whether local or elsewhere across the country, individuals can conduct hair testing effortlessly, meeting their procedural and regulatory requirements without unnecessary hassle.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Normandy, MO is designed to be simple and confidential. This ensures that individual privacy is upheld throughout the testing process. With streamlined procedures in place, clients can confidently access and receive their results, assured of their privacy and the ease with which they can engage in the process.
Accredited Drug Testing in Normandy, MO prides itself on offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. This provides exceptional value for companies of various sizes, ensuring that businesses can access reliable drug testing without financial strain while benefiting from quick, accurate results that meet their operational needs.
Hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their speed, accuracy, and reliability in Normandy, MO. They offer highly precise detection of substance use, providing quick results that enable faster decision-making for employers and individuals alike. The streamlined testing process ensures that analyses are conducted efficiently without compromising accuracy, making these tests a superior choice for those seeking reliable evidence of drug use.
Employers in Normandy, MO enjoy enhanced peace of mind when implementing hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, helping to mitigate legal risks and maintain a safe work environment. The precise nature of these tests supports responsible workplace management, aligning with company policies and industry regulations effectively.
