Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it develops. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to a 3-month period. Its collection is straightforward, difficult to alter, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, serving as the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is processed into a lab's system. This step includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug substances. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, any positive findings must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. This phase extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the challenge of hair drug screening.
Positive screening confirmations are executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria, and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently named "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Weldon Spring, MO offers superior precision and a longer detection window. This method's accuracy in detecting substances makes it a preferred choice among employers and legal bodies.
Benefits include:
While urine tests best capture recent use, hair tests provide a broader overview.
In Weldon Spring, MO, hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive look at an individual's substance use, covering up to 90 days of detection. This all-encompassing view aids employers in evaluating a candidate or employee's history.
Key advantages include:
Hair follicle testing in Weldon Spring, MO is notably tamper-resistant, reducing the chance of adulteration and guaranteeing trustworthy outcomes. Its very nature makes it a preferred method for companies keen on ensuring authentic results.
Advantages of this method include:
Our testing locations are spread throughout Weldon Spring, MO, and across the nation, making access to hair follicle drug tests easy and straightforward.
Advantages include:
This ensures a seamless testing process within convenient reach.
In Weldon Spring, MO, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and private. Ordering the test, proceeding with the collection, and receiving results are straightforward steps.
Key process highlights:
Experience peace of mind with a user-focused testing process.
Our service in Weldon Spring, MO offers cost-effective hair follicle testing alongside quick result turnaround. We focus on affordability without compromising quality, thereby delivering value to businesses.
Highlights of our service include:
In Weldon Spring, MO, hair follicle drug tests provide instant, dependable results that outshine other methods. Clients benefit from their impressive precision and the rapid delivery of outcomes. This speed and reliability enhance trust in this testing method's ability to uncover substance use effectively.
The refined accuracy of hair follicle testing ensures thorough detection of drugs, solidifying its position as a top choice for those needing quick and accurate results in the area.
In Weldon Spring, MO, hair follicle testing strengthens an employer's ability to maintain a drug-free workplace, enhancing compliance and reducing legal risks.
Benefits include:
The consistent use of hair testing aligns with regulations, offering reassurance to employers.