Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The history of alcohol and drug intake is stored long-term in hair fibers by embedding biomarkers within the growing strand. When samples are taken close to the scalp, they offer up to an approximate three-month detection period for substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter), when collected near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair—ideal for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, or panels exceeding ten types, 150mg of hair should be gathered. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is suggested to weigh the hair accurately. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can substitute. Reference to head hair strictly means scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure to generate drug test results comprises four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into a lab’s tracking system. This involves ensuring the sample's seal and delivery were intact, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any necessary data not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening serves as the initial swift assessment for detecting substance abuse. Although Screening is economical and serves to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive outcome requires subsequent confirmation to be legally viable. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive at this phase warrant further confirmation.
For samples assessed as potentially positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is utilized for the Extraction phase. At this stage, the drug compounds are isolated from the hair at considerably lower levels than through other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening in comparison to other methodologies.
Positive results from screenings are confirmed through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples suspected to test positive are prepped by washing prior to the confirmation process. The full testing workflow—from Accessioning through Confirmation—is subjected to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation reviews.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis itself focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Triumphs over urine tests in Oakville, MO, lies in its unmatched detection potential and dependability. Hair tests provide consistent accuracy and reliability, revealing substance use patterns that urine tests might miss, making them a preferred choice for many entities.
Extended Detection Window is a key feature of hair follicle testing in Oakville, MO. With its ability to trace drug use up to 90 days, employers gain a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance habits, surpassing the capabilities of shorter-term tests.
Unquestionable Reliability of hair follicle tests in Oakville, MO, stems from its tamper-resistant nature, significantly lowering the risk of sample adulteration. This assurance is vital for obtaining trustworthy results that stand firm against manipulation attempts.
Nationwide Access to testing services in Oakville, MO guarantees a swift and seamless experience. With expansive coverage, our centers provide convenient and hassle-free access, simplifying the process for those seeking efficient testing solutions.
A Simple, Confidential Process awaits individuals in Oakville, MO seeking drug tests. From ordering to receiving results, our approach respects privacy and emphasizes ease of use, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality.
Cost-Effective Solutions, coupled with rapid delivery in Oakville, MO, underline our commitment to affordability. Companies benefit from competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, embodying excellent value across business scales.
Precision and Speed mark the hair follicle drug testing process in Oakville, MO. These tests offer highly accurate detection, providing rapid results that are both reliable and consistent, ensuring that timely decisions can be made regarding substance use.
Incorporating hair tests ensures high accuracy in substance detection, offering insights that are both precise and quick, which is crucial for maintaining fast-paced operations and decisive outcomes.
Compliance Confidence is enhanced for Oakville, MO employers using hair tests. This method ensures adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and fortifying workplace safety, consequently fostering a secure environment.
