Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly acknowledged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair encapsulates a long-term history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, rather challenging to alter, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands of hair (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is suggested to acquire 150mg of the sample. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When indicating head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair only. Body hair signifies all other forms of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system, which involves ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for substances abused. Though Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening stage, further hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most arduous procedure to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
For residents of Sheldon, MO, hair follicle testing stands out in the realm of drug detection for several reasons. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests are not only harder to cheat but provide a clearer, more accurate picture of an individual's drug use.
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy as the samples cover a longer period, ensuring reliable results. This makes it a preferred choice for many local employers and authorities who prioritize safety and accuracy.
Hair follicle testing in Sheldon, MO, excels with its extended detection capabilities. This method can trace drug use back up to 90 days, offering a broader perspective on an individual’s substance history.
Employers benefit greatly from this comprehensiveness, as it allows them to make informed decisions based on a more extensive review of an applicant or employee’s past substance use, ensuring a safer workplace environment.
In Sheldon, MO, hair follicle testing is a standout for its resistance to tampering. The collection process is directly observed, which nearly eliminates the risk of sample adulteration.
This method provides highly reliable and unquestionable results, making it a preferred choice for businesses and legal entities that cannot afford inaccuracies in drug testing results.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing solutions for Sheldon, MO residents with numerous nationwide centers. These locations ensure that drug testing services are accessible, quick, and hassle-free.
Our extensive network of testing centers means residents have easy access to reliable testing, reducing wait times and enhancing overall convenience for local populations.
Our process in Sheldon, MO, for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. The ordering, testing, and result reception are designed to prioritize user privacy and ease.
This ensures that individuals can undertake the process without concerns, receiving their drug testing results discreetly and efficiently, aligning with personal and professional needs.
Our competitive pricing in Sheldon, MO, ensures that hair follicle testing remains accessible to companies of all sizes. The fast turnaround provides exceptional value, ensuring businesses receive insights swiftly.
Cost-effective solutions coupled with efficiently quick processing times mean peace of mind in knowing employers can maintain a secure work environment without bearing heavy costs.
In Sheldon, MO, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and accuracy. These tests are designed to provide fast results while maintaining high precision in detecting substance use. Their ability to accurately identify drug usage, even with minimal traces, sets hair testing apart from other methods.
The swiftness of the results does not compromise their reliability. With advanced testing techniques, results are both quick and reliable, giving those in Sheldon peace of mind.
Employers in Sheldon, MO, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring they comply with drug-free workplace policies. This testing significantly reduces potential legal risks associated with employee drug use.
By employing hair testing, companies can enhance workplace safety while guaranteeing that they meet regulatory requirements, thereby promoting a safe and productive environment.