Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair may be used. Head hair refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the sample's entry into the lab's system, confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system may not cover.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drugs. Although screening offers a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. All samples testing positive in Screening need a further confirmation step.
For presumptively positive samples in the Screening stage, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair drug screening as the most challenging technique to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive get cleansed before confirmation when needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classifications and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Perks of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Testing Over Urine Tests? In Washington, MO, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing, offering unparalleled detection accuracy.
Extended Detection Advantage In Washington, MO, hair testing reveals substance use over an extended period, as long as 90 days.
Reducing Tampering in Testing Hair follicle tests in Washington, MO, offer a tamper-resistant method.
Accessible Testing Locations Enjoy the convenience of nationwide and local testing centers in Washington, MO.
Simplified and Confidential Process Our testing approach in Washington, MO is straightforward, prioritizing privacy.
Cost-effective Testing Services In Washington, MO, we offer competitive pricing and quick result delivery.
Fast and Reliable Outcomes in Washington, MO Hair follicle tests provide quick and accurate results, making them a trusted choice.
Assured Compliance for Employers Washington, MO employers find peace with hair testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies.
