Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair retains a long-term record of substance use. When sourced from near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol exposure for about 90 days. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is hassle-free.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands akin to a #2 pencil's diameter, is expected to yield 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for accuracy in weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, equivalent body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a Screen positive must be validated for it to be court-admissible. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drug extractions occur at lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, adding complexity to hair drug screening.
Positive Screening confirmations are executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Necessary pre-confirmation washing is conducted on all presumptive positives. The process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to the accreditation of ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: Within Scotsdale, MO, the advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests are evident. Hair tests offer a notably broader detection window, allowing for identification of substances over extended periods. Moreover, the accuracy and dependability of hair tests make them a superior choice for those aiming for comprehensive insights into substance use.
Comparative Benefits:
Hair follicle testing in Scotsdale, MO, provides an extensive detection window, enabling the identification of drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period grants employers a fuller understanding of an individual’s substance use history, facilitating more informed decisions about potential employees. The method's ability to capture a sustained timeframe of substance usage is invaluable in environments necessitating stringent compliance.
Comprehensive Detection Period:
The Tamper-Resistant Nature of Hair Follicle Tests: In Scotsdale, MO, the security of hair follicle testing positions it as a robust alternative. This testing method significantly minimizes the risk of sample manipulation, assuring the integrity of results. Because the sample collection is directly observed and challenging to adulterate, stakeholders can depend on non-questionable findings.
Key Characteristics:
Convenience at Your Fingertips: Scotsdale, MO, benefits from a vast network of nationwide testing locations, facilitating prompt and uncomplicated access to hair follicle testing services. We pride ourselves on offering easy access to multiple testing centers, ensuring the process remains hassle-free and efficient for all who require testing services.
Accessibility Highlights:
In Scotsdale, MO, ordering and completing a hair follicle test is straightforward, ensuring a private, user-friendly process. From booking the test to receiving results, our system prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. Individuals can trust in the discreetness of the procedure while benefiting from its efficiency.
Streamlined and Confidential:
Providing value through competitive pricing in Scotsdale, MO, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that hair follicle testing is both cost-effective and rapid. Our services are designed to suit various business sizes, ensuring affordability does not compromise quality or speed. Our clients benefit from efficient processes and economical pricing.
Competitive and Efficient:
In Scotsdale, MO, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its remarkable speed and precision. These tests uniquely combine accuracy with swift processing, ensuring that results are not only reliable but are delivered promptly. In detecting substance use, hair tests outperform other methods like urine testing, offering unmatched accuracy in identifying various substances, providing individuals and employers with trustworthy outcomes.
Precision and Speed Combined:
Adopting hair follicle testing in Scotsdale, MO, assists employers in maintaining adherence to workplace drug-free standards, lessening legal liabilities and boosting workplace safety. These tests ensure compliance and tranquility in the workplace with their capacity to reliably determine drug use and uphold company policies designed to ensure a safe, productive environment.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety:
