Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, moderately challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil diameter) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types, like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab procedure for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. It involves ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any absent data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires verification to be legally acceptable. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on analyzing hair strands, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Shirley, MO offers unmatched detection accuracy compared to urine tests. The superior reliability ensures past drug use up to 90 days is detectable, providing a longer observation window. Urine tests, though common, don't match hair tests in long-term accuracy. Employers and organizations benefit from the rigorous testing capabilities that hair analysis offers, making it a practical choice.
Hair follicle testing in Shirley, MO effectively uncovers drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed perspective of a candidate's or staff member's substance history. Unlike other testing forms, hair analysis delivers a longer look-back period, offering more thorough insights and aiding in informed decision-making regarding employment and workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing in Shirley, MO is an innovative approach to avoid sample tampering. The methodologies employed mitigate the risk of falsifying results, offering dependable outcomes. The robust nature of hair testing secures the integrity of the process, providing employers and authorities with unquestionable and authentic results, ensuring a more secure screening outcome.
Conveniently located testing centers nationwide, including those in Shirley, MO, allow easy, efficient access to drug testing services. This widespread availability ensures that participants can undergo testing with minimal hassle, regardless of location. Many areas afford immediate service, streamlining the process from start to finish for those requiring drug testing services.
The hair testing process in Shirley, MO is straightforward and confidential, ensuring user privacy throughout. From ordering to testing and result delivery, the process is designed with simplicity in mind. This confidentiality and ease comfort users, assuring them of their information's protection while facilitating a worry-free experience.
In Shirley, MO, competitive pricing and fast turnaround characterize hair follicle testing. This provides businesses of varying scales with value and assurance without financial burden. The balance between cost-effectiveness and rapid result delivery makes hair testing an attractive option for companies focusing on efficiency and budget-conscious decision-making.
In Shirley, MO, hair follicle drug tests stand out with their speed and precision, delivering accurate results swiftly. The ability to detect substance use efficiently is unmatched, making it a preferred choice for those seeking reliable testing solutions. The reliability and high level of accuracy ensure that users can trust the results, making it a superior choice compared to other testing methods.
Employers in Shirley, MO find peace of mind through hair follicle testing to enforce compliant, drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal exposure and promotes a safer, more reliable working environment. This thorough testing protocol is essential for maintaining standards and supports adherence to workplace regulations, offering assurance and reducing liability risks.