Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture and retain biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When the hair is harvested near the scalp, it can provide an approximate 3-month detection span for both alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches, composed of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is an optimal sample for both screening and confirmatory purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes integrating a sample into a lab's system initially. This step involves confirming that the sample is correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data tasks absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
Presumptive positives in the Screening phase require more hair from the initial collection for preparation in the Extraction phase. During this phase, drug compounds are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis compared to other testing methodologies.
In the Confirmation phase, any positive screening outcomes are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed pre-confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to standards from both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually scrutinize the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Webster Groves, MO, hair follicle testing stands superior to urine tests in numerous ways. Hair tests provide a longer detection window, capturing a wide reflection of an individual's behavior. This reliability is valued by employers seeking stringent policy adherence. While urine tests serve short-term insights, hair analysis delves deeper, securing more trustworthy substance history.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Webster Groves, MO, can display drug use over a potential 90-day span. This long-term insight into substance history equips employers with a robust data set, crucial for gauging applicant reliability. Through this method, workplace safety is supported and potential hires are assessed comprehensively.
Hair follicle testing in Webster Groves, MO, is a tamper-resistant method, providing reliable and verifiable outcomes. The nature of hair analysis makes it exceedingly difficult to alter, offering reassurance to employers and authorities alike. With this secure testing protocol, challenges of sample manipulation diminish and trust in results rises.
Effortless access to testing services is ensured across our nationwide and local centers in Webster Groves, MO. This convenience allows for quick and hassle-free appointments, facilitating everyone from individuals to corporates. Explore the ease offered by our comprehensive network, making testing straightforward.
Embark on a simple and confidential process for testing in Webster Groves, MO. From ordering to receiving results, each step ensures privacy, catering to individual concerns. Understand the ease of using our tailored approach, where discretion meets usability, ensuring complete satisfaction.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times define our hair follicle testing services in Webster Groves, MO. By presenting competitive prices, we deliver excellent value, accommodating companies of all sizes. The swift reporting ensures peace of mind and preserves productivity, emphasizing our commitment to cost-effectiveness.
In Webster Groves, MO, hair follicle drug testing ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method's precision surpasses traditional tests, offering clear insights into substance use. Hair tests excel in spotting drugs with high accuracy, driven by an effective observation process.
Employers can confidently make informed decisions based on these dependable results, bolstered by minimal risk of tampering.
For employers in Webster Groves, MO, hair follicle testing is ideal for meeting drug-free policies. This approach reduces legal concerns and boosts workplace safety. Ensuring compliance through accurate screening of employees enhances overall organizational well-being, reducing potential liabilities.