Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has been recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and those surpassing ten panels, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results consists of four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory's system. This procedure includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for potential drug misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screening needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations markedly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positive screening outcome is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though referred to as "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand that is analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sainte Genevieve, MO. While traditional urine tests are common, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing detects drug use long after substances have left the bloodstream, unlike urine tests.
Employers in Sainte Genevieve increasingly prefer hair follicle testing due to its longer detection window and difficulty for subjects to alter results. This provides a more thorough understanding of a person’s substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Sainte Genevieve, MO. One of the hair follicle test's key benefits is its extended detection period of up to 90 days. This longevity gives employers a comprehensive perspective on an individual’s substance history.
Allowing for a longer detection period, hair testing offers valuable insights for organizations and legal entities in reviewing past substance use behaviors.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sainte Genevieve, MO. Hair follicle tests significantly reduce sample tampering risks, unlike other methods. The process is virtually foolproof, providing reliable and unquestionable findings every time.
Owing to its tamper-resistant nature, hair testing aids in ensuring integrity and trust in drug testing practices, crucial for employers and legal bodies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations, Including Sainte Genevieve, MO. Our wide network of testing centers extends nationwide, offering convenience to all. Individuals can easily access testing services without unnecessary delays or obstacles.
With numerous locations, including in Sainte Genevieve, testing services are both quick and efficient—making it hassle-free for all involved parties.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sainte Genevieve, MO. The straightforward procedure of ordering, taking, and receiving results ensures confidentiality, alleviating privacy concerns effectively.
Designed for user-friendliness, the process respects participants’ privacy and simplifies the testing experience, making it accessible and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sainte Genevieve, MO. Competitive pricing and quick service make hair testing a valuable option for any size organization. It ensures both time-saving and cost-effectiveness.
Businesses can benefit from great pricing and swift result processing, securing excellent value without compromising on quality or accuracy.
Fast, Accurate Results in Sainte Genevieve, MO. Hair follicle tests provide precision and speed, ensuring high accuracy in uncovering substance use. This method stands out for delivering dependable results promptly, enabling swift decision-making for involved parties.
The quick turnaround of hair testing is advantageous for employers and individuals eager to obtain test outcomes. High precision in detecting various substances ensures reliability and trust in this testing method.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sainte Genevieve, MO. By implementing hair follicle testing, organizations can ensure compliance with drug-free policies, which can help reduce legal risks and bolster workplace safety.
This method reinforces employers’ commitment to a safe, compliant work environment, providing peace of mind and ensuring consistency in policy application.
