Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers along the hair strand, providing a long-term record of substance use. When obtained close to the scalp, hair samples offer a drug and alcohol detection window of up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
To obtain the ideal sample for screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp is needed, providing 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, or assays exceeding ten panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair is solely about scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory system. This step involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination of samples for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive Screening result must be confirmed for it to be admissible in legal proceedings. Any sample with a potentially positive result during Screening requires further confirmation.
Should a sample show a potential positive during Screening, more of the specimen is extracted for further analysis. This Extraction phase involves obtaining drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenge of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples presumed positive are washed, as necessary. Every stage, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Winchester, MO, compared to the traditional urine test. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability offer distinct advantages.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history. This method excels in offering enhanced detection capabilities over a longer duration.
In Winchester, MO, hair follicle testing plays a crucial role by detecting drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history.
This long detection span is invaluable for businesses aiming to maintain a clear image of their workforce, offering a more detailed look into patterns of use over time.
Hair follicle testing in Winchester, MO reduces the risk of tampering significantly. This method ensures that results are both reliable and trustworthy, thanks to its tamper-resistant nature.
The robust testing process involved with hair analysis minimizes sample adulteration, reinforcing the integrity of the results, making it a favorable choice for those seeking dependable outcomes.
In Winchester, MO, our widespread testing centers offer unmatched convenience, ensuring easy access to drug testing services. These locations make the process quick and hassle-free for individuals and organizations alike.
Nationwide availability means testing is accessible wherever needed, emphasizing a seamless experience for clients across various locales.
Winchester, MO, offers hair follicle testing with a simple and confidential process. This straightforward system ensures privacy and ease from ordering to receiving results.
This user-friendly method addresses privacy concerns, making the testing process smooth and uncomplicated, tailored for customer convenience and reassurance.
Our competitive pricing structure in Winchester, MO complements the fast turnaround of hair follicle testing. This provides exceptional value for companies, regardless of size, seeking efficient testing solutions.
Quick processing times combined with affordable costs ensure clients receive a great balance of value and peace of mind with timely results.
In Winchester, MO, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. The precision of these tests plays a crucial role in detecting substance use, presenting a high level of accuracy unmatched by other methods.
Hair testing effectively identifies a variety of substances, ensuring that results are both swift and dependable. Clients enjoy peace of mind, knowing that the hair follicle method is a top choice for precision.
For employers in Winchester, MO, using hair follicle tests ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps reduce legal risks while enhancing workplace safety.
Employers experience peace of mind knowing that hair testing supports adherence to regulatory standards, contributing positively to maintaining a secure and productive work environment.
