Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers in the fibers of the developing strand, offering a retrospective account of alcohol and substance use. A sample sourced near the scalp offers a detection range for alcohol and drugs extending to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
For optimum results, a 1.5-inch portion comprising about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg, sufficient for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and/or those greater than 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in the lab handling of a drug test sample: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the first step of logging a sample in the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and transported, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any requisite data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves conducting a preliminary evaluation for drugs of misuse. Although it’s a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug use in most instances, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that initially flag positive in Screening undergo a follow-up confirmation.
Should Screening indicate a positive result, additional hair is sourced from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at markedly lower concentrations than in other mediums (e.g., urine or oral fluids), rendering hair drug screening as one of the most complex methods to execute.
Results that screen positive undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, samples are cleansed of presumptive positives as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification alongside ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the test specifically evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp
In Vigus, MO, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests are clear. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy with a much longer detection window for drug use, up to 90 days. This is in contrast with urine tests, which have a shorter detection period. Hair testing eliminates the ability to cheat the system, offering a more reliable assessment of substance use.
The hair follicle test’s enhanced detection period allows employers to make more informed decisions about potential or current employees, thereby supporting a more secure workplace. Additionally, hair testing reduces the likelihood of adulteration, a common issue with urine tests.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Vigus, MO provides a longer overview of an individual’s substance history. Capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, hair testing offers a more comprehensive view compared to other testing methods that only detect recent use.
This prolonged detection period aids employers in assessing an applicant or employee's drug use patterns, contributing to safer hiring practices. It gives a deeper insight into habitual use that could affect workplace performance and safety.
In Vigus, MO, hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of tampering, ensuring that results are trustworthy and unquestionable. Unlike other drug testing methods, hair tests are highly resistant to adulteration due to the nature of the sample collected.
This tamper-resistant method provides peace of mind to employers and organizations, knowing that the test results are reliable and accurate. The integrity of the testing process supports informed decision-making regarding hiring and employee retention.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including local options in Vigus, MO, accessing hair follicle testing services is easy and hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures that no matter where you are, a testing facility is within reach, simplifying the testing process for everyone involved.
The quick and straightforward access to our facilities helps streamline the process, reducing downtime and getting results efficiently. This wide availability adds to the convenience and reliability of our testing services.
In Vigus, MO, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are designed to respect privacy while providing ease of use for all participants. This assures individuals and organizations of confidentiality and efficiency throughout the testing journey.
The user-friendly process ensures participants can access testing without unnecessary complexity, contributing to a seamless experience and instilling confidence in the accuracy and privacy of their test results.
Our competitive pricing structures in Vigus, MO make hair follicle testing an affordable option for companies of all sizes, ensuring that cost doesn’t become a barrier to maintaining safety standards. With fast turnaround times, we deliver value by providing prompt and reliable results.
This combination of affordability and quick service enhances peace of mind for businesses, ensuring they can conduct necessary testing while managing costs effectively. It supports maintaining a drug-free workplace without compromising on quality or efficiency.
Hair follicle testing in Vigus, MO stands out for its precision and speed in drug detection. This method ensures high accuracy in identifying substance use, making it a dependable choice for both employers and individuals. The results are not only fast but also reliable, providing a clear view of a person’s drug use history.
The streamlined process of hair testing allows for quick interpretation of results, ensuring that employers receive prompt information they can count on. This efficiency combined with the accuracy of the test results makes hair follicle drug testing an excellent option for maintaining a drug-free environment.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Vigus, MO provides peace of mind for employers looking to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this reliable testing method, businesses can reduce legal risks associated with drug-related incidents and enhance overall workplace safety.
This proactive approach ensures companies can confidently uphold standards, promoting a safer and more productive work environment. Hair testing’s comprehensive results can also support legal compliance and reinforce company policies.
