Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol use. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10-panel tests, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Notably, head hair specifically implies scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test outcome consists of four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary handling of a sample in a laboratory’s framework. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and forwarded, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain-of-custody protocol.
Screening serves as an initial fast assessment for substance abuse. As a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening needs further validation to be court-admissible. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
For presumptively positive outcomes in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to perform.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are washed before Confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Sikeston, MO
In Sikeston, MO, hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and comprehensive detection capabilities in contrast to traditional urine tests. Its effectiveness is highlighted by its ability to identify past drug use over a prolonged period, thereby offering employers and regulatory entities enhanced reliability in substance monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Sikeston, MO
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extensive detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This method provides employers in Sikeston, MO, a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance usage, offering insights that might be missed with shorter detection spans, making it ideal for workforce evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sikeston, MO
In Sikeston, MO, hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering. This testing process ensures sample integrity, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. With reliable and unquestionable results, stakeholders can trust in the accuracy and security that hair testing provides.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Sikeston, MO
Accredited Drug Testing presents a conveniently accessible network of testing centers nationwide, including Sikeston, MO. This widespread presence ensures that clients can effortlessly avail of testing services, providing hassle-free and swift access to meet their needs effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sikeston, MO
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Sikeston, MO, is designed to be straightforward and private. Our simple steps for ordering, taking, and receiving results prioritize user privacy and ease of use, offering individuals and companies a confidential and user-friendly testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sikeston, MO
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle drug testing services in Sikeston, MO, present optimal value for businesses. These services ensure cost-efficiency and quick results, catering to organizations of all sizes seeking reliable testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sikeston, MO
Hair follicle drug tests in Sikeston, MO, provide unmatched precision and speed. Their sophisticated methodology guarantees high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are both fast and trustworthy. With this testing approach, individuals and organizations benefit from timely and reliable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sikeston, MO
For employers in Sikeston, MO, hair follicle testing offers reassurance and ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks and enhances safety, providing peace of mind knowing that employees' drug history is accurately monitored and maintained.
