Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessment is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This encompasses confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be legally acceptable. Samples that appear positive in Screening demand a secondary validation.
If a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a much reduced concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is the most complex technique to execute.
Validation of a positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples that appear positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Located in St. Thomas, MO, hair follicle testing is proving superior to conventional urine tests. While urine tests are commonly used, hair tests detect substance use over a more extended period, making them more reliable. The method reduces the chances of evasion or tampering, giving employers accurate results for policy enforcement. This level of thoroughness ensures that companies maintain a drug-free environment, fostering safety and productivity.
Hair follicle testing in St. Thomas, MO, offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window. While traditional urine tests may only cover recent drug use, hair tests can reveal substance use up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive time frame allows employers to gain an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance history, facilitating informed decisions for employment and maintaining a drug-free environment.
In St. Thomas, MO, the hair follicle testing method provides a significant reduction in the risk of sample tampering. By minimizing opportunities for adulteration, this testing approach delivers reliable and indisputable results. The observed collection process ensures the integrity of the sample, giving employers the confidence needed to enforce drug-free policies effectively, and maintaining the safety and productivity of the workplace.
Our convenient testing locations in St. Thomas, MO, and across the nation, ensure that hair follicle drug testing is within easy reach for all. The widespread availability of testing centers facilitates quick and hassle-free access to services. This accessibility is crucial for employers and individuals who require a reliable and efficient drug screening process, minimizing downtime and promoting workplace safety across the board.
Conducting a hair follicle drug test in St. Thomas, MO, is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process ensures privacy and ease of use. Participants can trust that their data is handled with discretion, while companies appreciate the straightforward approach. This focus on confidentiality and simplicity encourages more individuals and businesses to embrace regular substance screening confidently.
In St. Thomas, MO, our hair follicle drug tests offer affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. This combination ensures that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value and prompt service, helping them maintain compliance without jeopardizing their budgets. With quick and reliable results, companies gain the assurance needed to uphold safety and productivity standards efficiently and economically.
In St. Thomas, MO, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests offer exceptionally accurate detection of substance use, more so than traditional methods. The thoroughness and rapid results of hair analysis ensure that whether for employment or legal purposes, decisions can be made confidently and swiftly. This reliable testing approach has made a significant impact in ensuring safety and compliance throughout the region.
St. Thomas, MO employers gain peace of mind by using hair follicle drug testing to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and upholds safety standards, fostering a secure work environment. Employers can be confident in the accuracy and reliability of results, allowing them to make staffing decisions that reflect a commitment to a healthy and productive workforce.
