Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing chemical markers within the strands as they grow. When hair is taken near the roots, it can reveal alcohol and drug use for a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for both testing and validation. For additional tests beyond 10 panels or those requiring EtG, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing. If there is no scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four crucial steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This entails confirming the sample’s proper seal and transport, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any other data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody procedure.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in many instances, a positive result must undergo confirmation to stand up in legal settings. Presumptive positives from Screening need further confirmation.
Presumptively positive samples in Screening have more hair prepared for Extraction. This involves pulling more hair from the sample for analysis. At this stage, substances are extracted at significantly lower levels compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexity of performing hair drug tests.
Any positive result in Screening is confirmed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary before final confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the skin
In Shelbyville, MO, hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a broader substance use history. Employers appreciate the extended detection period and reduced risk of tampering.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Shelbyville, MO, provides a comprehensive overview of substance use, tracing back up to 90 days. Employers gain insight into a candidate's or employee's drug history, ensuring informed decision-making for hiring or retention processes.
In Shelbyville, MO, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant option, minimizing the chance of sample adulteration. This quality results in reliable and trustworthy outcomes that organizations can rely upon for precise drug testing.
Shelbyville, MO, benefits from convenient testing locations that are part of a nationwide network. This accessibility guarantees a smooth, straightforward experience for individuals in need of testing, reducing delays and making the process stress-free.
The simple and confidential process in Shelbyville, MO, ensures easy ordering and testing experiences. Our approach resolves privacy concerns while providing clear, secure access to your results, enhancing user trust and satisfaction.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround, our services in Shelbyville, MO, present exceptional value. Competitive cost structures and fast result processing cater to businesses of any scale, enhancing their financial and operational efficiency.
In Shelbyville, MO, the efficiency and precision of hair follicle tests are unmatched. These tests swiftly and accurately detect a wide range of substances, ensuring high reliability. Hair testing stands out, offering accurate results that contribute to safe and drug-free environments.
Employers in Shelbyville, MO, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method aids in upholding drug-free workplace policies, decreasing legal liabilities, and improving overall safety standards.
