Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shelbina, MO

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is viewed as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. With hair, a long-term record of alcohol and drugs is captured by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair offers about a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample of around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for screening and analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key steps in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step confirms the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary cursory examination for the presence of drugs. While it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screening must be verified to be acceptable in court. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair testing is the most challenging methodology to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair analysis can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to falsify: It’s very challenging to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing the reliability of the results.
• Offers historical insight: It can outline a pattern of drug consumption over time, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days before they are detectable in hair.
• Higher price: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other drug testing forms.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shelbina, MO

Hair follicle testing in Shelbina, MO, offers superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair tests examine a longer timeline of substance use, up to 90 days, providing a broader understanding of an individual's drug use history. This extended detection window is crucial for employers and authorities seeking thorough evaluations.

The samples for hair testing are collected in a way that significantly reduces the likelihood of tampering, unlike urine samples which can be adulterated. Furthermore, hair tests provide almost foolproof detection, as substances cannot be easily washed away or disguised, achieving higher reliability and integrity in the testing process.

A key advantage of hair testing over urine methods is the sheer reliability; it is virtually impossible to cheat, providing peace of mind for employers enforcing drug-free workplace policies. This accuracy and dependability are why hair testing is increasingly preferred in many sectors.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Shelbina, MO

One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Shelbina, MO, is its extended detection window, which offers a look at drug use up to 90 days prior. This robust window provides employers with a comprehensive view, helping them assess an individual's long-term substance use patterns rather than recent abstention.
Employers can make informed decisions based on a more comprehensive view of an employee or applicant's history.

The extended detection offered by hair testing goes beyond the conventional timeframe available in standard tests. This feature is especially beneficial in workplaces aiming for zero tolerance towards drug use, ensuring that occasional bettors or chronic users are easily identified.
With such a thorough timeframe, employers can mitigate potential risks associated with hiring or retaining users, contributing to a safer work environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shelbina, MO

Hair follicle tests in Shelbina, MO, provide a robust solution against sample tampering, making them an ideal choice for employers seeking reliable testing methods. While traditional methods like urine tests can be susceptible to manipulation, hair testing significantly diminishes this risk, ensuring authenticity.
Samples are collected under stringent conditions that discourage any form of tampering.

This reliable testing method offers peace of mind for employers, as the chances of altering results are minimal. Compared to urine tests, where substances might be flushed out or masked, hair strands permanently embed evidence of substances over time, lessening the chance of tampering. This uncompromising integrity is why many organizations are turning to hair testing as their primary method.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shelbina, MO

Having convenient nationwide testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures residents in Shelbina, MO, access drug testing services with ease and simplicity. With just one location close by, undergo testing without the hassle and complications seen with competing services.
Our testing centers are positioned strategically, allowing quick access and flexibility in scheduling.

Whether for employment, legal, or personal reasons, Shelbina residents benefit from the easily accessible testing facilities, delivering simplicity in an often cumbersome process. This network, spanning cities countrywide, offers unparalleled convenience and efficiency, enabling clients to focus on results and outcomes, not logistics.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Shelbina, MO

For those in Shelbina, MO, the process of ordering, undertaking, and receiving hair follicle test results is seamless and confidential. From the initial appointment scheduling to receiving a report, the entire experience ensures privacy and ease, protecting personal information at every stage.
This streamlined process caters to both individuals and companies with simplicity in navigating testing procedures.

The process is void of complexities; complete confidentiality is maintained throughout, preserving the privacy of all involved. The simplicity of the procedure allows for quick, accurate results delivery, aiding in immediate follow-up actions or decisions. Thus, individuals and companies alike are supported comprehensively from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shelbina, MO

Shedding light on Accredited Drug Testing's commitment to affordability, companies in Shelbina, MO, can avail themselves of competitive pricing structures without compromising the speed and quality of results. Fast turnaround times are a highlight, ensuring organizations can make employment decisions promptly.

This cost-effective approach ensures that small and large businesses benefit equally from expert services. The rapid result delivery combined with reasonable pricing demystifies expense-related concerns, allowing firms to maintain stringent drug-free workplace policies affordably while receiving top-tier service satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shelbina, MO

In Shelbina, MO, hair follicle drug tests offer a blend of speed and accuracy unparalleled by other testing methods. These tests are designed to accurately identify a wide range of substances, offering clear and reliable results. With rapid turnaround times, employers can trust in the dependability of these tests, ensuring informed decisions are made swiftly and confidently.

Comprehensive testing ensures that substances are not missed, reducing the chances of false negatives. The state-of-the-art technology utilized in hair follicle testing leads to precise identification of drug use, making it an invaluable tool for maintaining a drug-free workplace. This meticulous attention to detail gives peace of mind, knowing that test results are both exact and comprehensive.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shelbina, MO

Incorporating hair follicle drug testing in Shelbina, MO, grants employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Such robust testing is a linchpin in maintaining a safe and legally sound work environment, reducing liability risks associated with workplace incidents involving substance use.

Regular testing aligns company policies with federal and state regulations, enhancing workplace safety and boosting confidence in hiring practices. Employers, courts, and regulatory agents find hair follicle testing invaluable for their high accuracy and tamper-proof nature, improving employer-employee relations and ensuring a transparent work culture free from drug influence.

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