Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut near the scalp, this method can reveal drug and alcohol use over an approximate 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the recommended amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of sample is advised. The specimen should ideally be measured using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test result process involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab's system. This stage ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening stage performs an initial, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples with a presumed positive result during Screening need secondary verification.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than seen in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most complex method.
Positive screening outcomes are confirmed via techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Owensville, MO
Hair follicle tests surpass urine tests by offering a broader detection window and greater accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to more recent use, hair analysis can reveal a detailed map of drug history over several months. This advantage provides employers and legal authorities with comprehensive drug use data, enhancing decision-making processes regarding hiring and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Owensville, MO
The potency of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to identify drug use over an extended timeline, up to 90 days. This quality gives employers in Owensville a thorough view of an applicant's or employee's past substance exposure, aiding better-informed decisions. Such extensive detection is crucial for maintaining workplace integrity and safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Owensville, MO
Hair follicle tests offer a robust solution against sample tampering, providing unquestionable reliability. Given the method of collection and analysis, the chances of altering results are minimized significantly, offering peace of mind for agencies and businesses concerned about maintaining genuine and accurate drug testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Owensville, MO
Our testing centers are strategically located across the nation, emphasizing ease and convenience for our clients. With local facilities in Owensville, individuals and employers benefit from quick access to testing services, minimizing the time spent on logistical arrangements and maximizing access to reliable drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Owensville, MO
The process of ordering and undergoing hair follicle tests is straightforward and private, catering to individuals concerned about confidentiality. From scheduling tests to receiving results, the entire experience is designed to be user-friendly and discreet, ensuring comfort and compliance with privacy protocols.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Owensville, MO
Combining competitive pricing with rapid result delivery, our hair follicle testing services offer outstanding value. Designed for businesses of all sizes, the quick turnaround times and affordable cost structure provide peace of mind, ensuring that professional and reliable drug testing is within reach for everyone.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Owensville, MO
Hair follicle drug tests stand out with exceptional accuracy and speed. They swiftly deliver results, detecting substances reliably that might be overlooked by traditional methods. By analyzing hair samples, labs can produce precise insights about an individual's drug use, giving employers and authorities the tools needed to ensure safe and compliant conditions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Owensville, MO
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers can efficiently enforce drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only reduces potential legal liabilities but also enhances the overall safety and productivity of the working environment, ensuring that all employees adhere to standards that promote health and reliability.
