Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken close to the scalp, hair samples can reflect a detection range of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimum quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses every other type (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory's framework. This entails ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in the majority of specimens, any positive screen must be validated to be acceptable in legal situations. Samples that test positive in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from the hair at much lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Tiff City, MO, the former excels in several areas. Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability, capturing a broader timeline of drug use. While urine tests are limited to days, hair tests span months, providing a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history. This extended detection capability makes hair testing the preferred choice for many organizations.
In Tiff City, MO, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a significant advantage. Unlike other methods, hair follicle tests can identify drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended timeline provides employers with an in-depth view of an applicant or employee's substance history, ensuring well-informed employment decisions. This comprehensive approach is unmatched by shorter-term testing methods.
Hair follicle testing in Tiff City, MO, offers a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing. Unlike other methods susceptible to adulteration, hair tests minimize the risk of sample tampering. This feature guarantees reliable and conclusive results, providing employers and legal entities with the confidence that the testing outcomes are genuine and reflective of the individual's substance use history.
Our nationwide testing centers, including local ones in Tiff City, MO, provide unparalleled convenience for accessing drug testing services. With locations spread across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free. This extensive network guarantees that individuals and organizations can find a nearby center for their testing needs without unnecessary travel.
In Tiff City, MO, Accredited Drug Testing ensures a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed for ease and privacy. This process alleviates any concerns of confidentiality, offering a seamless experience that is both secure and user-friendly, making it ideal for individuals concerned about privacy and convenience.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Tiff City, MO, delivers exceptional value. Our competitive pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring that cost-effective solutions are available without sacrificing quality. The combination of affordability and quick results makes our services a wise investment for organizations seeking efficient and budget-friendly drug testing options.
In Tiff City, MO, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and rapid results. Compared to other testing methods, hair analysis boasts a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use. The meticulous process ensures that the results are both fast and reliable, offering peace of mind to those who prioritize thoroughness and speed in their drug testing procedures.
For employers in Tiff City, MO, hair follicle testing delivers compliance and peace of mind. By integrating hair testing, companies align with drug-free workplace policies and reduce legal risks. This method enhances workplace safety through its comprehensive detection and tamper-resistant process, fostering a secure and compliant environment for all employees.