Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term exposure to these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can provide evidence of alcohol and drug use for up to roughly 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, harder to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil), close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is best to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Note that 'head hair' refers solely to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in the lab consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed within the lab system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves inputting additional data that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening includes an initial assessment for drug traces. Screening serves as an economical method to exclude drug presence in most samples, but a confirmed positive is necessary for court acceptance. Samples that test positive during Screening require a further confirmation stage.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is taken for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method.
Confirming any positive screenings is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that yield presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation. The full sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation meets both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," it is the hair strand that is examined, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sullivan, MO, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analysis provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use over an extended time. With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair testing uncovers patterns missed by short-term assessments, ensuring a thorough evaluation of substance use.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Sullivan, MO, offers a thorough examination of drug use. Covering up to 90 days, it provides employers with a detailed view of an employee's substance history, giving them the insight needed for informed decisions. This long-term detection helps identify ongoing issues, fostering a drug-free workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Sullivan, MO, significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable results. Unlike urine tests, which can be compromised, hair tests are tamper-resistant, providing unquestionable accuracy. With its robust security, it's the preferred choice for trustworthy and consistent drug screening.
Convenience is key with Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide and local testing centers in Sullivan, MO. Our broad network provides quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services, making it easy for individuals and companies to avail of our facilities. No matter where you're located, reliable testing is just a step away, ensuring seamless service access.
Our simple and confidential drug testing process in Sullivan, MO, ensures privacy and ease of use. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring user comfort. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, offering peace of mind for all involved while delivering prompt, private results.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our drug testing services in Sullivan, MO, provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. With competitive rates and quick result delivery, businesses achieve peace of mind without breaking the bank. Our pricing structure reflects our commitment to quality and efficiency, ensuring top-tier service within everyone's reach.
The precision and promptness of hair follicle drug tests in Sullivan, MO, cannot be overstated. With their ability to deliver fast and accurate results, these tests assure employers and individuals of reliable substance detection. Hair testing stands out due to its efficiency and detailed reporting, making it a preferred choice for anyone seeking dependable evaluations in drug screening.
Incorporating hair follicle testing in Sullivan, MO, ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies, these tests reduce legal risks and foster a safer working environment. Employers benefit from enhanced safety protocols, knowing they are upholding regulatory standards and promoting a responsible workforce.
