Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair serves as a record of long-term alcohol and drug exposure by capturing biomarkers in the hair strand's fibers. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair; body hair covers all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. This consists of ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary fast evaluation for drugs of abuse. This phase is efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples with a positive initial screen require further confirmation.
When a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing quite challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Willhoit, MO
In Willhoit, MO, hair follicle testing provides superior benefits compared to conventional urine tests. Hair testing allows for the detection of drug usage over a wider time frame, making it ideal for employers seeking rigorous enforcement of drug-free policies. Its precision in detection minimizes the risk of false negatives, which can reassure employers about their employees’ integrity.
Furthermore, hair testing is less invasive and eliminates the discomfort of typical urine test procedures.
Extended Detection Window in Willhoit, MO
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extensive detection window. This method allows for the identification of drug use spanning up to 90 days, supplying employers in Willhoit, MO with a comprehensive view of applicants' or employees' substance usage histories. Such a broad window surpasses the limited detection span of other testing methods, ensuring employers maintain safe and compliant workplaces.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Willhoit, MO
The hair follicle test is designed to be tamper-resistant, which reduces the risk of adulteration. In Willhoit, MO, this implies receiving reliable, incontestable results. Compared to other methods, the hair follicle approach provides outcomes that can withstand scrutiny, because there's minimal opportunity for the test sample to be manipulated by those being tested.
This integrity of results is paramount for enforcing drug-free policies effectively.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Willhoit, MO
Our testing services in Willhoit, MO emphasize accessibility with numerous nationwide centers. These conveniently placed locations ensure that individuals can access quick, simple, and stress-free testing services. This expansive network supports a seamless experience whether you are looking for local options in Willhoit or elsewhere, making drug testing an easy process without unnecessary delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Willhoit, MO
The process for hair follicle testing in Willhoit, MO is designed to maintain confidentiality and simplicity from start to finish. Ordering tests, sample collections, and receiving results have been structured to be as straightforward and private as possible. Such features are crucial for alleviating concerns related to privacy while ensuring every step of the drug testing process is efficient.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Willhoit, MO
In Willhoit, MO, hair follicle testing offers businesses of all sizes competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. This cost-effective solution provides excellent value, maintaining high-quality service standards. The fast processing time means companies can expect swift results, allowing for timely decision-making, further enhancing operational efficiency and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Willhoit, MO
Hair follicle drug testing in Willhoit, MO is renowned for its speed and precision. The method's accuracy surpasses traditional testing, ensuring detection of substance use with remarkable reliability. With efficient processing, results are quickly delivered, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals.
This efficiency doesn't compromise the high level of detail in the test results, which consistently prove accurate and reflective of actual substance usage behavior.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Willhoit, MO
Implementing hair follicle testing in Willhoit, MO assures employers are compliant with strict workplace drug-free policies. This method significantly reduces legal risks by providing trustworthy results that support the enforcement of safety protocols. Utilizing hair testing adds credibility to the employer’s commitment to a secure work environment, thereby enhancing the overall peace of mind for the company's management.
