Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair preserves an extended history of substances by capturing markers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, this type of sample can offer almost a three-month detection period for substances. Hair collection is easy, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample cut close to the scalp, 1.5 inches long and with roughly 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil in size), yields 100mg of hair, which is the right amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and tests requiring more than 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a same-sized batch of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage where the sample is logged into the lab system. This entails checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry that wasn't included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial check for drugs of abuse. While it's a cost-efficient means to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive result needs to be verified for court relevance. Any samples screening presumptive positive require a confirmatory test.
For any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, substances are extracted from hair at reduced levels compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), showcasing why hair drug screenings are challenging to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle test" is often used, but the analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle itself.
Hair follicle testing in Sedgewickville, MO, provides numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the standout benefits is its ability to detect substances over a prolonged period. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing surpass urine assessments, thus offering a more comprehensive picture of an individual’s drug use history, crucial for employers and legal entities.
The extended detection period of hair follicle testing is a significant advantage in Sedgewickville, MO. This method can identify drug use up to 90 days prior, unlike urine tests that only cover a short window. For employers, this longer detection offers a detailed view of an applicant's or employee's drug history, aiding them in making informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Sedgewickville, MO, reduces the risk of sample tampering significantly. This testing method is reliable and offers results that are difficult to question. The intricacy of manipulating hair samples stands in stark contrast to urine samples, making this an ideal choice for those seeking dependable outcomes.
The convenience of our testing locations ensures ease of access in Sedgewickville, MO, and throughout the nation. Our centers are designed for quick, seamless testing experiences. Whether local or nationwide, clients have hassle-free access to comprehensive testing services, enhancing the testing experience for all involved.
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results in Sedgewickville, MO, is straightforward and confidential. Emphasizing privacy and simplicity, we ensure that our clients feel secure and at ease throughout the process, from scheduling a test to accessing their confidential results smoothly.
In Sedgewickville, MO, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle tests offer excellent value. We cater to companies of every size, providing affordable solutions without sacrificing quality or speed, reinforcing our commitment to delivering top-notch services expeditiously.
In Sedgewickville, MO, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its quick, precise, and reliable outcomes. The accuracy in detecting substance use is a vital reason many entities prefer this testing method. Not only are the results delivered swiftly, but they also offer a higher degree of precision compared to other methods, which is crucial for informed decision-making in various scenarios.
In Sedgewickville, MO, ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies is vital. Hair follicle testing aids in maintaining such standards, providing employers with peace of mind. This method reduces legal liabilities and enhances overall workplace safety, a priority for businesses today striving for a healthy work environment.
