Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair creates a prolonged account of substance use by embedding indicators within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair samples offer an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting samples is easy, tampering is challenging, and transportation is straightforward.
A 1.5-inch strand composed of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both initial tests and confirmation. For EtG, additional screens, and/or testing that exceeds 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. Measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If head hair isn't an option, a corresponding amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result entails four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of a specimen into a lab system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completes any further data requirements not covered by an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a preliminary rapid evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate a secondary validation.
If Screening suggests positivity, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other practices (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening is verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive undergo required washing before confirmation. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug testing methods in Pevely, MO, hair follicle testing emerges as superior to traditional urine tests. The advantages of hair testing lie in its enhanced detection accuracy and longer detection period. Employers benefit from a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Employers in Pevely, MO, find hair follicle testing invaluable due to its extended detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive view of an individual's substance history allows for informed workplace decisions, providing a clearer picture of past behaviors than other testing methods.
The hair follicle testing method substantially reduces risks associated with sample tampering in Pevely, MO. By being nearly immune to adulteration, it offers reliable and unquestionable results, setting a high standard for drug testing integrity.
Accredited Drug Testing provides the convenience of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Pevely, MO. This expansive network ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free access to our reliable testing services, catering to individuals and businesses alike with unparalleled accessibility.
The process for hair follicle testing in Pevely, MO, is both simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving results, every step safeguards privacy while ensuring ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding personal information protection throughout the process.
In Pevely, MO, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times. This combination of cost-effective solutions and quick results delivers exceptional value, catering to companies of all sizes, ensuring they remain equipped with premium testing services.
In Pevely, MO, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their unparalleled accuracy and speed. Thanks to their finely tuned detection methods, these tests offer reliable insights into an individual's substance intake. The precision of hair testing surpasses traditional methods, providing employers and individuals with consistent and accurate evaluations.
Employers in Pevely, MO, gain significant peace of mind through hair follicle testing. Ensuring strict adherence to workplace drug-free policies not only minimizes legal liabilities but also fosters a safer work environment, affirming commitment to the health and safety of all employees.