Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective approach for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extensive record of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly 90 days for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair specimen is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. Note that when mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This process involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be validated to be court-admissible. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample be tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and made ready for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ridgely, MO
The debate between hair and urine testing persists, yet hair testing offers distinct advantages. Hair testing excels in detecting longer-term substance use, up to 90 days, compared to the shorter window of urine tests. This makes them invaluable for providing a comprehensive picture of an individual's drug history, assuring employers of an insightful, truthful analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Ridgely, MO
Hair follicle testing extends the detection period for drug use significantly. By offering a window into up to 90 days of substance history, it gives employers the chance to understand an individual's long-term drug use patterns. This comprehensive view helps with responsible decision-making, ensuring that the evaluation reflects a thorough understanding of substance interactions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ridgely, MO
The integrity of hair follicle tests is a key reason for their adoption. The likelihood of tampering is drastically reduced, given the way hair samples are collected and the way the test is conducted. Tampering with a hair test is notably more challenging, leading to reliable and accurate results that offer peace of mind to those who rely on them.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ridgely, MO
With a wide network of testing centers, accessing hair follicle testing in Ridgely, MO is simple and convenient. Offering a hassle-free process, the availability of nationwide and local locations ensures that testing is accessible regardless of where you are, providing comprehensive service and customer satisfaction without delays or difficulties.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ridgely, MO
Our process is designed with simplicity and privacy in mind. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are made straightforward, ensuring confidentiality at every step. Addressing privacy concerns, we maintain discretion, so individuals can trust that their testing is managed with the utmost respect and security they require.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ridgely, MO
Competitive pricing and quick results characterize our testing services. We ensure that companies of all sizes can take advantage of our offerings without financial burden. Fast turnaround times make us a dependable choice, providing excellent value and efficiency that match the demands of various businesses for quality and speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ridgely, MO
Hair follicle drug tests deliver not only rapid but also precise insights into substance use. High levels of accuracy mean that hair testing can spot drug use that may go unnoticed in traditional urine analysis. The reliability and speed of these tests allow for swift decision-making, providing individuals and companies with confidence in their testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ridgely, MO
Hair follicle testing ensures that companies comply with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks. Beyond regulatory compliance, it supports the creation of a safe work environment, building peace of mind that employee actions align with company standards, promoting a culture of trust and safety.
