Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By securing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it offers a prolonged insight into alcohol and drug usage. Hair harvested close to the scalp can present an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hairs (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair; this quantity is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair be unattainable, a comparable amount of body hair can substitute. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial assimilation of a sample into the lab’s system. This phase ensures the sample’s seal and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entries absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. Although an economical way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court acceptance. Presumptive positives in the Screening phase necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In instances where a sample tests presumptive positive in Screening, more hair from the initial specimen undergoes preparation for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug tests the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Preparation for confirmation, including washing, is applied to all presumptive positive samples as necessary. The entire testing workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure targets analysis of the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oakview, MO. Hair tests surpass more traditional urine tests in several key ways.
Extended Detection Window in Oakview, MO, is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests can detect drug use over a much extended period—up to 90 days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oakview, MO, is a highlight of hair follicle drug tests. These tests drastically reduce the likelihood of sample adulteration.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oakview, MO, are advantageous for those seeking efficient drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oakview, MO, for hair follicle testing is designed to address privacy and ease-of-use concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oakview, MO, are essential features of our hair follicle drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oakview, MO, are a hallmark of hair follicle drug tests. These tests are renowned for their precision and quick turnaround.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oakview, MO, can be significantly enhanced with hair follicle testing. Utilizing this method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies.
