Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for uncovering substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substance interactions by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over a span of up to roughly three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional parameters, or tests beyond ten panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's advisable to weigh the hair sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four primary stages comprise the processing of a drug test result in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not included with an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves the preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude the majority of drug use, any positive findings require further confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening demand a supplementary confirmation.
When a sample results in a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. All samples that are presumptive positive undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Northview, MO, hair follicle testing is superior to urine testing. It offers enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, revealing drug use over a more extended period. Hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, offering a robust assessment for any testing need. When compared to urine tests, hair testing provides clearer results, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Employers in Northview, MO, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, typically up to 90 days. This longer timeline offers a deeper insight into an individual's substance history. Such a comprehensive view helps employers make informed decisions during hiring or regular assessments, ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
Hair follicle tests in Northview, MO, stand out for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, hair tests significantly lower the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are trustworthy and difficult to dispute. Such reliability is crucial for any organization needing undeniable proof of drug use.
Our nationwide network, including convenient local spots in Northview, MO, makes accessing hair follicle testing effortless. This extensive reach ensures that wherever you're located, quality testing services are never far away. Quick and hassle-free access to tests aids in maintaining consistent drug testing protocols.
In Northview, MO, the process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is straightforward and private. Clients can rest assured that every step respects their confidentiality, ensuring a smooth and discreet testing experience. The ease of use makes it an appealing choice for many.
Northview, MO, offers hair follicle testing with competitive pricing and quick result turnarounds. Our pricing models cater to businesses of all sizes, providing value without compromising quality. Fast processing times ensure that companies maintain their operational flow without long delays.
Hair follicle drug testing in Northview, MO, promises swift, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. Such exams can quickly identify substance use with high accuracy. The method is favored for its ability to produce rapid results without compromising the quality of examination. In essence, this testing method assures reliable detection of any drug-related activity.
Organizations in Northview, MO, can find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free policies. This method not only minimizes legal exposure but also enhances overall workplace safety. Confidence in compliance boosts an organization's trustworthiness and operational security.
