Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository for a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair samples offer an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for examination and verification. For EtG, additional requests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to gather 150mg of the sample. It is advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. In referring to head hair, it signifies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and transportation, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. While Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that presumptively screen positive require a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, further hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from the hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), presenting a greater challenge for hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint Charles, MO, lies in its ability to surpass traditional urine tests with its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair tests unveil patterns over a longer period, lending employers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history and making them a superior choice in many contexts.
Extended Detection Window in Saint Charles, MO, sets hair follicle testing apart. This method tracks drug usage far beyond the capabilities of other tests, with a detection window of up to 90 days. Such an extended period offers employers a deeper insight into the substance habits of employees or applicants, ensuring informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method shines in Saint Charles, MO, as hair follicle tests greatly minimize the chances of sample tampering. Given their unique collection method, manipulating results is incredibly difficult, thus providing employers and courts with credible and uncontestable evidence of substance use or abstention.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saint Charles, MO, make accessing hair follicle testing easy and hassle-free. With numerous centers across the nation, our network ensures that wherever you are, reliable testing services are a convenient option, minimizing disruptions and ensuring swift compliance.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saint Charles, MO, is a core part of our testing service. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are all streamlined to maintain confidentiality and ease. The simple process is designed to alleviate fears around privacy and complexity, making it accessible and straightforward for all users.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint Charles, MO, make our services practical for businesses of various sizes. The competitive pricing model and quick turnaround times ensure that you receive high value and swift results, keeping your operations running smoothly without undue financial burden.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint Charles, MO, are a hallmark of our hair follicle testing program. These tests provide a high degree of precision and speed, quickly identifying substance use and giving clarity to clients concerned about accuracy. When time is of the essence, trust in the reliable results of hair testing that capture long-term use effectively.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint Charles, MO, is achieved through hair follicle testing. By aligning with stringent workplace drug policies, this testing method helps organizations maintain compliance, reduce legal exposure, and foster a safer work environment, aiding in risk management.
