Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is acknowledged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a long-term record of drug and alcohol intake by incorporating biomarkers within the growing fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to around three months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or screenings beyond ten panels, collecting 150mg is advisable. The sample should ideally be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This comprises checking that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adding any supplementary data not included in an electronic custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid scan for drug abuse. Screening serves as a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most cases; however, a positive screen mandates confirmation for court acceptability. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly reduced concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screenings is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Union Star, MO
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Employers and organizations find hair testing to be more reliable due to its ability to detect drug usage over a more extended period. In Union Star, MO, choosing hair tests ensures comprehensive and dependable results.
Extended Detection Window in Union Star, MO
Hair follicle testing provides a significantly extended detection window, up to 90 days, for drug use. This makes it a valuable tool for employers in Union Star, MO, offering a thorough view of an applicant or employee's substance use history. It's an invaluable resource for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Union Star, MO
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their tamper-resistant qualities, significantly curbing the risk of sample adulteration. In Union Star, MO, this reliability ensures that results are unquestionable, fostering trust in the testing process and maintaining high standards of accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Union Star, MO
With testing centers across the nation, including Union Star, MO, access to drug testing services is convenient and hassle-free. The widespread location of our centers ensures quick and easy accessibility, tailored to meet the needs of individuals and organizations seeking efficient testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Union Star, MO
The hair follicle testing process in Union Star, MO, is designed to be simple and confidential. Individuals can order, take, and receive results with ease, ensuring privacy and addressing any concerns regarding the process. The streamlined approach promotes user ease and confidentiality at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Union Star, MO
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times provide excellent value for companies in Union Star, MO. By offering affordable options and ensuring fast results, organizations of all sizes can enjoy peace of mind knowing they are receiving quality service without breaking the budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Union Star, MO
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. This method ensures high accuracy in detecting substance usage, making it reliable for timely results in Union Star, MO. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing offers a clear advantage, providing fast and accurate insights into an individual's substance use history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Union Star, MO
Implementing hair follicle testing in Union Star, MO, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind knowing they are adhering to regulations and maintaining a secure working environment.
