Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective instrument for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, slightly challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This phase involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid inspection for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves withdrawing drugs from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests," the assessment analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oak Hill, MO lies in its superior detection capabilities. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing can uncover substance use over a far extended period, providing a more detailed and accurate assessment. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Oak Hill, MO. While urine tests are limited to detecting recent drug use, hair tests can trace substance history up to 90 days back. This extensive window allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's past substance usage, aiding informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method is one of the foremost benefits of hair follicle tests in Oak Hill, MO. These tests are remarkably resistant to tampering or adulteration, ensuring that the results obtained are both reliable and unquestionable. This gives organizations confidence in their compliance with drug-free workplace protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations include facilities in Oak Hill, MO. Our widespread network of testing locations means that getting a drug test done is hassle-free and quick, offering unmatched accessibility for both employers and individuals.
Simple, Confidential Process ensures user-friendly experiences in Oak Hill, MO. The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is straightforward and maintains privacy, addressing any confidentiality concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are key features of our hair follicle testing services in Oak Hill, MO. We offer competitive rates, ensuring excellent value alongside speedy results, making our service an attractive option for companies of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are a hallmark of hair follicle drug testing in Oak Hill, MO. The precision and speed at which these tests can deliver results are exceptional, ensuring that any substance use is accurately detected. This makes them a preferred choice for employers and individuals seeking trustworthy outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oak Hill, MO is strengthened through hair follicle testing. By ensuring accurate detection of substances, this method supports drug-free workplace policies, reduces potential legal liabilities, and enhances overall safety.
