Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use, as it encapsulates biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for assessment and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a total of 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair references any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages involved in the testing process for a drug analysis result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s database. This step entails confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening implements a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-saving approach for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be authenticated to be valid in court. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is initially positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if needed. The full testing progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually inspects the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shoveltown, MO
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. It provides a more comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history, making it the preferred choice for many employers and legal entities.
Extended Detection Window in Shoveltown, MO
The extended detection period of hair follicle testing, which can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, provides employers with a deeper insight into an applicant’s or employee's substance history, allowing for more informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shoveltown, MO
Hair follicle tests offer a dependable method that significantly lowers the chances of sample adulteration. This provides an assurance of reliability and credibility in test results for all stakeholders involved.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shoveltown, MO
We offer convenient testing locations nationwide, including local centers in Shoveltown, MO, ensuring fast and hassle-free access to testing services for everyone needing drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shoveltown, MO
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of handling for our clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shoveltown, MO
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide valuable and efficient drug testing solutions, catering to companies of all sizes throughout Shoveltown, MO.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shoveltown, MO
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed in detecting substance use. The high accuracy of these tests ensures reliable results, making them a favored option in Shoveltown, MO.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shoveltown, MO
Employers using hair follicle testing can confidently ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This reduces legal setbacks and enhances overall safety within the workplace environment.
