Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake by incorporating biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When collected from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to adulteration, and easy to ship.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory encompasses four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into the laboratory’s database. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the preliminary rapid assessment step for detecting drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples presumed positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to methods such as urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive results from Screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumed positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Pollock, MO surpasses traditional urine tests in many ways. One of the primary advantages is its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which can miss recent drug use, hair testing offers a longer window, capturing a comprehensive substance use history. Additionally, hair tests are notably difficult to falsify, resulting in more reliable outcomes for workplaces.
Located in Pollock, MO, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window that can track drug use for up to 90 days. This outstanding duration offers employers a thorough assessment of substance use, beyond what urine tests can typically reveal. Such an extensive detection period provides insights that aid in the evaluation of applicants or employees.
One of the most significant strengths of hair follicle tests in Pollock, MO, is their tamper-resistant nature. The method effectively mitigates the risks of adulteration, ensuring that the results remain consistent, reliable, and beyond question. The security of hair testing diminishes any attempts to alter or cheat the results, offering employers peace of mind.
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Pollock, MO, maximizes convenience for clients. These nationwide locations assure access to hair follicle testing services that are swift and easy. Such availability enhances efficiency, making the testing process smooth and hassle-free, thereby accommodating the diverse needs of companies and individuals alike.
When clients in Pollock, MO choose hair follicle testing, they experience a simple and confidential process from start to finish. Ordering, performing, and receiving results are streamlined, addressing privacy concerns effectively. This process ensures client data is handled with utmost care, making it both user-friendly and secure.
Pollock, MO businesses benefit from our affordable pricing and expedient turnaround times for hair follicle testing. These competitive pricing models ensure high-value service without sacrificing quality or speed. Such efficiency supports organizations of all sizes, providing peace of mind alongside financial advantages.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle testing in Pollock, MO provide unparalleled reliability. This method rapidly delivers precise results, making it an exemplary choice for discerning employers. Hair follicle tests have a proven record for identifying substance use with high precision, ensuring every finding is backed by robust verification processes. These results empower companies to make informed compliance decisions.
Employers in Pollock, MO using hair follicle testing benefit by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace standards. This approach minimizes legal exposure and enhances safety by reliably identifying substance use. With its robust detection capabilities, hair testing supports organizations in maintaining strict adherence to zero-tolerance policies.
