Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair provides a long-lasting record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair tests can show drug and alcohol use up to about a 3-month period. Hair is easy to collect, hard to adulterate, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels over 10, 150mg is suggested. It's advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equal amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" means scalp hair only, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test at the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn't provided.
Screening offers a quick initial check for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient and rules out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to hold up in court. All samples with a presumptively positive screen require further confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from the hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is done with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo washing as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pleasant Valley, MO
Extended Detection Window in Pleasant Valley, MO
Hair follicle testing boasts a significant advantage with a detection window extending up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a complete perspective of an applicant or employee’s past substance use, crucial for making informed decisions and maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
Hair testing stands out for its ability to offer a comprehensive look into long-term habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pleasant Valley, MO
Hair follicle tests in Pleasant Valley greatly minimize the chances of sample adulteration. This method ensures the reliability of results, with the observed collection process further guarding against tampering.
Adulteration risks are significantly reduced, thereby providing authentic and unquestionable findings every time, reinforcing trust in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pleasant Valley, MO
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including convenient locations in Pleasant Valley, MO, makes accessing testing services straightforward and hassle-free. Offering swift and accessible services ensures that your testing requirements are met efficiently, saving valuable time and resources.
No-compromise convenience with a local service guarantee.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pleasant Valley, MO
The hair follicle testing process in Pleasant Valley is designed to be both straightforward and private. From ordering to taking the test and obtaining results, every step is crafted with your confidentiality in mind.
Ensuring ease of use while addressing privacy concerns, our process delivers comfort and confidence to all undergoing testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pleasant Valley, MO
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing presents great value for businesses of any size in Pleasant Valley. This cost-effective solution guarantees high-quality results without unnecessary delays.
Offering peace of mind and budget-friendly options, we cater to the needs of small enterprises to larger corporations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pleasant Valley, MO
Hair follicle drug testing in Pleasant Valley enhances the accuracy and speed of substance detection. Through this precise method, results are delivered quickly and reliably. Accuracy is paramount, ensuring that even minimal drug traces aren't overlooked, offering a higher degree of certainty compared to alternative methods.
Employers and individuals rely on this method for clear, definitive results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pleasant Valley, MO
Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in upholding drug-free policies, thereby decreasing legal risks and boosting workplace safety. By ensuring compliance, companies can maintain a healthier and more secure working environment, which is vital for overall organizational success.
Additionally, employers gain peace of mind knowing their workplace adheres to regulations.
