Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol intake. It captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug usage by trapping biomarkers in the hair strand's fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drug substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to manipulate, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The process involved in a laboratory's drug test result comprises four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the primary handling of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. While it efficiently eliminates drug usage in most samples economically, positive screens must be confirmed for legal validity. All samples suggesting positivity in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample seems positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are washed pre-confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the underground hair follicle
Superior Detection Accuracy in Velda Village Hills, MO
Hair follicle testing, when compared to urine tests, offers notable benefits. The detection accuracy and reliability surpass traditional methods, providing clear insights into long-term substance use. Employers find this method invaluable in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Velda Village Hills, MO
The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, is invaluable. This extended window allows employers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, which can be crucial for effective workplace safety programs.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Velda Village Hills, MO
Hair follicle tests offer a significant reduction in the risk of sample tampering. The robustness of the method provides reliable, unquestionable results that are vital for both legal proceedings and workplace compliance efforts.
Convenient Locations in Velda Village Hills, MO
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including local Velda Village Hills facilities, ensures accessibility. Quick and hassle-free testing processes make it easy for both individuals and companies to utilize our services without unnecessary delays.
Simple and Confidential in Velda Village Hills, MO
The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step respects your privacy, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.
Value-Priced Capabilities in Velda Village Hills, MO
Our competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times delivers exceptional value to companies of all sizes. This affordability, coupled with efficient service, caters to diverse client needs in a cost-effective manner.
Fast and Accurate Results in Velda Village Hills, MO
Hair follicle drug tests in Velda Village Hills provide quick and precise results. Their ability to accurately detect a wide range of substances contributes to their effectiveness. Enhanced precision ensures that both employers and individuals receive dependable information regarding drug use, thereby increasing trust in the testing process.
Ensuring Compliance in Velda Village Hills, MO
Employers using hair follicle testing enjoy peace of mind through compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Such practices not only reduce legal risks but also bolster overall safety and productivity in workplaces throughout Velda Village Hills.
