Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant means for identifying substance use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers in its strands. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers up to a three-month detection timeframe for substances. It is uncomplicated to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, an ideal amount for testing efficacy. For EtG and extensive tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can suffice. References to head hair denote only scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug test analysis entails four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample's secure sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for abused substances. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive result from Screening demands confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Samples yielding presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Presumptive positives lead to additional hair extraction from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted at lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenge of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed to affirm any positive screen outcomes. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these assessments examine the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Testing Over Urine
Hair follicle testing in Pleasant Green, MO, surpasses traditional urine tests in accuracy and reliability. These tests can uncover drug use patterns more consistently, providing a clearer historical view. While urine tests require frequent updates, hair tests cover a broader timeline.
Extended Substance Detection
Hair follicle testing in Pleasant Green excels at identifying drug use over a 90-day period. This extended detection window grants employers insights into an individual's substance use history, offering a more comprehensive screening than urine tests.
Secure Against Tampering
Hair testing in Pleasant Green, MO, stands out for its resistance to tampering. The nature of the sample significantly hinders adulteration attempts, making it a reliable choice for accurate drug use verification.
Accessible Testing Locations
Our widespread network of testing sites, including prominent centers in Pleasant Green, MO, ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing services, simplifying the process for individuals and employers alike.
Streamlined and Confidential
The process for hair follicle testing in Pleasant Green is designed to be simple and private. From ordering to testing and receiving results, confidentiality is maintained, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Offering competitive pricing and swift processing times, our hair follicle testing services in Pleasant Green, MO, provide excellent value. Quick result turnaround ensures that companies can make timely decisions.
Fast and Precise Detection
In Pleasant Green, MO, hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched speed and precision. The process quickly identifies substance use with high accuracy, significantly reducing the likelihood of false results and ensuring reliable assessments.
Compliance and Assurance
In Pleasant Green, MO, adopting hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal liabilities and bolsters workplace safety through secure and trustworthy substance screenings.
