Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is considered a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches long consisting of about 200 hairs (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verifying results. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is suggested to use 150mg of the sample. We advise checking the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers only to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples presumptively positive in Screening require secondary verification.
For samples testing presumptively positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to perform.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All presumptive positive samples are washed in preparation for confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Union, MO, the benefits of hair follicle testing clearly outshine traditional urine analysis. Hair testing's extended detection capability provides a more accurate reflection of an individual's substance use, covering up to 90 days, unlike the shorter detection window of urine tests.
Employers favor hair tests over urine tests for their superior accuracy and robustness. This testing method ensures that substance use will be detected reliably, reducing deceptive practices often linked to urine tests.
Union, MO sees the advantage of hair follicle testing as it offers an expansive detection period, capturing drug use data up to 90 days. This prolonged detection window is pivotal for employers who seek an extensive review of a candidate's or employee's substance use history.
With its ability to reveal a detailed record of drug consumption, hair testing provides insight far beyond what other methods can offer, empowering organizations with comprehensive data for informed decision-making.
In Union, MO, hair follicle testing stands as a highly tamper-resistant option. This method notably minimizes the chances of adulteration or substitution commonly observed in other testing modalities, ensuring integrity and trustworthiness of the results.
Due to its resilience against tampering, hair testing provides assurance of unblemished, authentic outcomes, reinforcing judgment based on unchecked and tamper-free evidence.
Accredited Drug Testing prides itself on having a network of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Union, MO, ensuring convenient access. This structure guarantees that testing services are accessible swiftly and simply, without unnecessary hassle.
The ease and breadth of availability make it possible for individuals to receive testing services on-demand, empowering them to comply with necessary requirements efficiently.
In Union, MO, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step maintains privacy, addressing concerns with ease of use and ensuring personal information is protected.
The simplicity of the process alleviates user stress and guarantees a seamless experience, allowing individuals and organizations to focus on actionable results rather than procedural complexity.
For organizations in Union, MO, Accredited Drug Testing provides cost-effective pricing options and fast processing times. This combination affords businesses excellent value, securing efficient resource management regardless of company size.
Quick turnaround times coupled with competitive pricing deliver peace of mind, demonstrating Accredited Drug Testing’s commitment to exceptional service without compromising on quality or speed.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Union, MO ensures fast, accurate, and dependable results when detecting drug use. This method provides unparalleled precision in identifying a wide range of substances, catering to both employers and individuals who demand the utmost in testing efficiency.
Due to their comprehensive nature, hair follicle tests far surpass other methods in speed and reliability, promptly delivering results that employers and individuals can trust, reflecting the actual substance use history without question.
For employers in Union, MO, employing hair follicle testing offers essential compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This testing method significantly lowers legal exposure and fosters a safer, more secure work environment for all employees.
Adopting such robust testing protocols not only meets regulatory demands but also ensures continual peace of mind, affirming employer dedication to safety and compliance across the workforce.
