Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can offer around a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered ideal for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent body hair sample may be used. Referring to head hair pertains only to scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary step of processing a sample into a lab’s system. This process ensures sample sealing and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening offers a swift preliminary check for drugs. Although cost-effective for negating drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court acceptance. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample screens presumptively positive, more hair is extracted from the sample and undergoes preparation for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underlining the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive screening results are verified via methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as needed. The overarching lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Prathersville, MO lies in its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which provide a short-term view, hair tests uncover a comprehensive history of usage. This allows employers to make informed decisions with a robust understanding of an individual's substance use behavior, substantially reducing the risk of hiring or retaining employees with hidden drug habits.
The Extended Detection Window offered by hair follicle testing in Prathersville, MO presents a significant advantage. These tests can trace substance use back up to 90 days, providing a broader view of an individual's history. This extensive detection period is invaluable for employers looking to understand an applicant or employee's long-term substance use patterns, enhancing decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Prathersville, MO ensures that hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample manipulation. The collection process is strictly monitored, making it near impossible to adulterate samples. This results in unquestionable data integrity, providing employers with the reassurance of accurate test outcomes and enhancing the credibility of the testing procedure.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Sites in Prathersville, MO provide unparalleled convenience. With numerous centers across the country, individuals and employers can access testing services swiftly, obviating hassle. This broad availability ensures that testing is not only quick and straightforward but also accessible no matter where you are situated.
A Simple, Confidential Process in Prathersville, MO characterizes hair follicle testing. Every step, from ordering to receiving results, is designed with ease and privacy in mind. Concerns about confidentiality are addressed with rigorous standards, ensuring a seamless and discreet experience that protects personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround is a cornerstone of our service in Prathersville, MO. By offering competitive pricing models and expedited processing times, businesses of all sizes can benefit from excellent value. This approach provides both economic and operational advantages, ensuring companies can maintain compliance without compromising their budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Prathersville, MO are crucial for maintaining high standards in substance detection. Hair follicle tests offer greater precision and speed than traditional testing methods, ensuring a reliable assessment of substance use. They rapidly detect substances with unmatched accuracy, offering peace of mind to organizations requiring fast and dependable results.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Prathersville, MO is paramount. Hair follicle testing helps businesses adhere to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal liabilities. By leveraging the robust detection capabilities of hair testing, employers can elevate workplace safety standards while ensuring compliance with necessary regulations.
