Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps drug and alcohol markers within its fibers, revealing a long-term usage history. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it can indicate drug or alcohol use for up to three months. The collection is straightforward, hard to counterfeit, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) near the scalp provides a 100mg sample, optimal for both screening and confirmation. For testing EtG, additional analyses, and panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Measuring the sample on a jeweler's scale is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" covers other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the sample's entry into the lab system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial drug check. While it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate most drug usage cases, any positive findings need confirmation for legal validity. Presumptive positives from Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair testing a challenging technique to execute.
Any confirmed positive result from Screening goes through further verification with techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positives are washed if needed before confirmation. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rosati, MO:
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests can uncover drug use over a longer timeline, making them more reliable for detecting ongoing substance use. This method is highly effective in maintaining the integrity of workplace drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Rosati, MO:
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage with their extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability gives employers a thorough view of an individual's substance use history, ensuring well-informed employment or career development decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rosati, MO:
Hair follicle testing is inherently tamper-resistant, drastically reducing the risks of sample adulteration. It provides results that are both reliable and unquestionable, ensuring the integrity of the data collected during the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rosati, MO:
Accredited Drug Testing offers a wide network of testing centers across the nation. This extensive reach allows for quick and convenient access to testing services, catering to both local residents and nationwide clients alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rosati, MO:
Our straightforward and confidential testing process ensures privacy for all clients. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to be seamless and discreet, addressing any privacy concerns involved in drug testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rosati, MO:
With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle drug testing provides excellent value. We cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring effective results without compromising on cost or time efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rosati, MO:
Renowned for their precision, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched accuracy in substance detection. With rapid processing times, individuals and employers can trust the swift, dependable results they provide. This reliability ensures confidence in the outcomes, vital for making informed decisions based on drug testing evidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rosati, MO:
Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures compliance with drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind. This method not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances workplace safety by providing dependable data on employee substance use.
