Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a compelling method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by preserving biomarkers within the hair shaft's fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The process of hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil in size) from closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to gather 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other type of hair (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results includes four principal phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the primary phase, introducing a sample into the lab's system. This phase validates the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and incorporates any additional data not automated by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial, rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although it's a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, any positive findings from Screening must be confirmed for court acceptance. Samples yielding a presumptively positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a presumptive positive arise in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drug substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before moving to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the testing process evaluates the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Saint Clement, MO, the former emerges as superior. Hair testing offers extensive detection windows, far surpassing traditional urine tests. The accuracy in identifying substances makes hair tests the preferred choice, providing employers with a dependable assessment of an individual's drug history.
Employers in Saint Clement, MO, benefit from hair follicle tests due to their extended detection period. These tests reveal drug usage over up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive snapshot of an individual's history. Such extensive windows allow employers to make informed decisions, evaluating both past and potentially concealed substance use patterns.
In Saint Clement, MO, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing provides confidence in the results. Unlike urine samples, which can be adulterated, hair samples offer minimal opportunities for manipulation. This integrity ensures employers receive unblemished data, leading to fair and unbiased conclusions based on trustworthy test outcomes.
Accessing hair follicle testing in Saint Clement, MO is straightforward due to our nationwide testing presence. Our local centers offer convenience, ensuring easy and efficient testing processes. This accessibility supports a stress-free experience, assisting clients and organizations in fulfilling their testing needs rapidly and effectively.
In Saint Clement, MO, our hair follicle testing process is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering and undergoing tests is seamless, with results delivered while respecting privacy concerns. This approach ensures a hassle-free experience, providing comfort and assurance in handling sensitive information discreetly.
Our hair follicle testing services in Saint Clement, MO are competitively priced, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. Companies of all sizes appreciate the value we offer, combined with swift turnaround times. This efficiency and cost-effectiveness provide peace of mind, catering to various organizational needs efficiently and economically.
In Saint Clement, MO, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and prompt outcomes. This testing method excels in accurately identifying substance use, ensuring decisions are backed by reliable data. Rapid processing times combine with exceptional accuracy, making hair follicle testing an ideal choice for those seeking dependable results.
Employers in Saint Clement, MO, gain peace of mind and assured compliance with hair follicle testing. This reliable process aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. By choosing hair testing, organizations demonstrate a commitment to maintaining safe and compliant work environments.
