Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for testing. For EtG, additional panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to gauge the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we're specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical stages in processing a drug test outcome in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample in a lab’s system. This process confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Screening is an economical method to negate drug usage in the majority of samples; however, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
In Rea, MO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in many ways. While urine tests have been the norm, hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method not only extends the detection window for drug use but also offers a more dependable outcome, making it the optimal choice for those seeking thorough assessments in substance detection.
Employers in Rea, MO benefit significantly from the extended detection window that hair follicle tests offer. This method reveals drug use over a 90-day period, giving a broad view of an individual's drug history. This comprehensive detection ability makes hair testing invaluable for a thorough understanding of a candidate's or employee's substance use, far surpassing other methods.
Hair follicle testing in Rea, MO provides a robust solution against sample tampering. The nature of these tests makes altering or adulterating samples nearly impossible, ensuring that the results obtained are trustworthy and not susceptible to manipulation. This integrity in testing offers peace of mind to those relying on the results.
Our nationwide testing sites, including local options in Rea, MO, bring convenience to the forefront. These centers are strategically located to provide easy and accessible testing services, eliminating the hassle of long-distance travel and ensuring that individuals can participate in testing with minimal disruption to their daily routines.
The process for engaging in hair follicle testing in Rea, MO is straightforward and discreet. From ordering the test to conducting it and receiving the results, every step is designed to ensure privacy and simplicity. This approach addresses concerns about confidentiality, allowing individuals to navigate the testing process with confidence and ease.
Our services in Rea, MO boast competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times. This combination means that companies receive exceptional value without sacrificing speed or accuracy. By offering affordable tests with swift results, businesses can be assured of maintaining optimal operations without unexpected costs.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Rea, MO lies in their precision and swiftness. These tests are known for their high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use with certainty. The methodology ensures that results are reliable, providing employers and institutions with quick and accurate insights into an individual's drug use pattern.
For employers in Rea, MO, hair follicle drug testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces the likelihood of legal complications and fosters a safer work environment. By choosing hair testing, employers not only comply with these policies but also show a commitment to maintaining a secure and responsible workplace.
