Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains an extended timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within its growing fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer an estimation of a 3-month detection timeframe for substances. Hair collection is uncomplicated, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for both initial and confirmatory examination. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses above 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is recommended. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result includes four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assay to identify drugs of abuse. Though Screening economically eliminates drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal scenarios. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and set aside for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly demanding technique.
Verification of any positive screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The entire laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Richmond, MO. Hair tests provide superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. One primary advantage is their longer detection window, capturing drug consumption history more comprehensively. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle methods deliver consistent reliability, making them less susceptible to manipulation and promising better accuracy for crucial decisions.
In Richmond, MO, the Extended Detection Window offered by hair follicle testing delivers an advantage. This method can detect drugs ingested up to 90 days prior, offering a more comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance use history. Such insights assist employers in evaluating long-term behaviors rather than focusing on short-term abstinence, thereby enriching the overall assessment process with critical information.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Richmond, MO, proves vital for verifiable results. Hair follicle tests inherently curb the risks of adulteration due to the nature of the sample collection and analysis. Compared to urine tests, they offer a steadfast approach, diminishing the possibilities of tampering to ensure outcomes remain consistent and trustworthy, providing clarity and authenticity in test evaluations.
Finding a drug testing center is effortless with convenient locations nationwide, including Richmond, MO. This wide network eases the testing process, making it quick and hassle-free. The widespread availability ensures that every client, regardless of location, can access reliable testing services without unnecessary complications or delays, enhancing service accessibility.
Simplicity and Confidentiality define the drug testing process in Richmond, MO. Ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test are straightforward, protecting privacy every step of the way. This approach ensures that clients experience a seamless process, right from scheduling the test to the secure delivery of results, maintaining confidentiality and ease.
With competitive pricing in Richmond, MO, hair follicle testing offers impressive value. The affordability of these tests, paired with quick turnaround times, makes them an attractive option for businesses. This value proposition, combining cost-efficiency with reliable and rapid results, enables companies of varying sizes to implement effective drug testing strategies without financial strain.
Hair follicle testing in Richmond, MO, is trusted for its accuracy and rapid results. These tests stand out by precisely identifying drug use, ensuring that results are both fast and reliable. The credibility of the findings offers peace of mind, crucial for employers and other stakeholders who need dependable substance use evaluations.
Why choose hair follicle testing
High accuracy in identifying substance traces.
Fast results, enhancing decision-making.
Implementing hair follicle testing boosts employer confidence in Richmond, MO, through compliance assurance. This reliable method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while ensuring enhanced safety. Such robust drug screening standards foster an environment of trust and integrity, reinforcing confidence in workforce health policies and reducing potential liabilities.
