Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) that are closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial process of a sample entering a laboratory’s system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a quick initial test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient way to negate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be corroborated to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result happens through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Ozark, MO, hair follicle testing is often found to surpass conventional urine testing methods. The robustness of hair testing lies in its ability to catch a broader spectrum of drug use over an extended timeframe. Compared to urine tests, hair analyses are less susceptible to manipulation, offering a reliable alternative for organizations enforcing drug-free policies.
Employers in Ozark, MO, benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. By capturing evidence of drug use for up to 90 days, this method provides a comprehensive overview of a person's substance history. This extended timespan allows employers to better assess the long-term patterns of applicants or employees, facilitating informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Ozark, MO, is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly decreases the possibilities of sample adulteration compared to traditional tests. The integrity of the hair analysis process ensures that results remain unquestionable, providing employers with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the findings.
Offering convenience with nationwide and local testing locations in Ozark, MO, we ensure quick, easy access to testing services. Whether you are near or far, our centers are readily available to facilitate hassle-free processes. This accessibility streamlines the testing procedure for individuals and organizations, eliminating delays and improving efficiency.
In Ozark, MO, ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is made simple and confidential. The process ensures privacy and ease of use from start to finish. Clients can rest assured that their information remains secure while efficiently receiving the feedback necessary for personal or professional purposes.
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times characterize our testing services in Ozark, MO. We offer excellent value, ensuring that companies of all sizes can benefit from affordable hair follicle testing. Through our commitment to budget-friendly options and rapid service delivery, businesses gain peace of mind without breaking the bank.
The precision and promptness of hair follicle drug testing in Ozark, MO, stand out. This method provides an accurate profile of an individual's substance use, ensuring employers receive trustworthy and swift feedback. Hair tests are preferred for their ability to detect a wide range of substances with a high degree of accuracy, offering results that employers can rely on for critical decision-making.
For Ozark, MO, companies, utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining a drug-free environment, significantly minimizing potential legal issues. This method supports adherence to workplace safety regulations while offering peace of mind, knowing that employees are compliant with the organization’s substance policy. Its reliability strengthens confidence in a safer work setting.
