Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term information about alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, moderately resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, approximately 200 hairs (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, or expanded tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing in the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary additional data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary review to identify drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging technique.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. Throughout, the laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Norwood, MO, is superior to traditional urine tests due to its accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a broader detection range, capturing more extended drug use periods.
In comparison, hair testing outperforms urine tests in identifying consistent drug use, providing a reliable method for screening applicants or employees.
In Norwood, MO, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough insight into a person's substance use history.
Employers gain a comprehensive overview of drug use, as hair testing detects substances over a much longer timeframe than traditional urine tests.
Hair follicle tests in Norwood, MO, present a tamper-resistant method for drug detection, significantly reducing adulteration risks.
The observers safeguard the integrity of the process, making it nearly impossible to alter results, thus guaranteeing reliable outcomes.
Our nationwide testing facilities, including local centers in Norwood, MO, offer convenient and accessible services for hassle-free drug testing.
With our broad network, individuals can swiftly access testing sites, enhancing the process's effectiveness and reducing delays.
In Norwood, MO, our streamlined process ensures a simple and confidential approach, safeguarding privacy while facilitating ease of testing.
The entire procedure, from order to results, is user-friendly, addressing any privacy concerns our clients might have.
Comprehensive pricing coupled with fast turnaround times makes our hair follicle testing in Norwood, MO, a cost-effective solution for businesses.
Our competitive rates guarantee value, while quick result delivery instills confidence and satisfaction.
In Norwood, MO, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, precise, and dependable results. This method ensures accurate substance use detection, making it a preferred choice for many employers.
Employers rely on hair testing for its high accuracy. The method's capability to detect a wide array of substances swiftly is crucial in workplace safety.
Norwood, MO employers achieve peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to their drug-free workplace policies and minimizing legal concerns.
This method strengthens workplace security, helping employers comply with stringent safety regulations efficiently.
