Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository of alcohol and drug traces over an extended duration by capturing biomarkers within the strands during their growth phase. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a detection period of up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair is not an option, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. When head hair is mentioned, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional information entry not covered by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While this cost-effective step can elicit results from most samples, confirmation is necessary for any sample that returns a positive screen should it need to be presented legally. All samples testing presumptively positive in Screening call for a supplementary confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples testing presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated to meet both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Wheaton, MO offers superior accuracy and reliability. One major benefit is that hair tests have a much longer detection window. While urine tests only detect recent substance use, hair analysis provides insight over months, ensuring detection of prolonged drug exposure. This makes hair tests an excellent choice for comprehensive screening.
Hair follicle testing services in Wheaton, MO prove invaluable for their extended detection capabilities. By analyzing up to 90 days of substance history, these tests offer employers a detailed overview of an individual’s drug use over time. Such extensive detection windows are particularly beneficial for workplaces aiming for thorough vetting of potential or current employees.
In Wheaton, MO, hair follicle tests are integral to minimizing the risk of sample tampering. Unlike some other methods, hair tests are resistant to adulteration. This robustness ensures that samples remain secure and results are trustworthy, presenting an undeniable outcome that supports strict compliance and authenticity in testing processes.
With Accredited Drug Testing's vast network of testing centers, including locations in Wheaton, MO, accessing drug testing services is simple and convenient. Nationwide availability guarantees that tests are just a quick appointment away, enhancing accessibility for both employers and individuals who require testing services with minimal hassle.
Conveniently accessible in Wheaton, MO, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to results delivery, every step is designed for simplicity and privacy, ensuring clients can manage their testing needs without unnecessary complications or concerns regarding their personal information.
In Wheaton, MO, our hair follicle testing services offer not only competitive pricing but also fast turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value while ensuring companies of all sizes can afford thorough drug testing processes without stretching budgets. Rapid results further enhance the appeal, giving businesses a cost-effective testing solution.
The effectiveness of drug testing is elevated by the fast and reliable nature of hair follicle tests available in Wheaton, MO. These tests are renowned for their precision, capable of accurately identifying substance use. With quick turnaround times for test results, hair follicle analyses now stand as a hallmark of effectiveness, providing timely and trustworthy outcomes for all testing purposes.
Employers in Wheaton, MO can rely on hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This method not only reduces legal liabilities but also enhances overall workplace safety. With its strong reliability, hair testing provides peace of mind to organizations, ensuring that stringent drug policies are upheld without complications.
