Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting substance use, including alcohol. Hair strands capture a historical record of substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair's fibers as it grows. When clipped close to the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to about three months for substance use. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" exclusively pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test result process in a laboratory entails four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory step, where the sample is logged into the lab's system. This process ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any supplementary data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most cases, confirming a positive screen is necessary for legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive outcome at the Screening phase, further hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods, such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is overseen according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Trumps Urine Testing in Winston, MO revolves around enhanced detection. Hair follicle tests offer almost impeccable accuracy, detecting a broader range of substances over longer stretches than urine tests. Their reliability for identifying past substance use far exceeds the limitations of conventional urine testing, making them a trusted choice.
Hair follicle tests, conducted in Winston, MO, offer an extended detection window reaching up to 90 days. This longer timeframe allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's history regarding substance use. It provides a more detailed snapshot compared to the shorter detection periods from other testing methods.
Tamper-resistant testing in Winston, MO significantly reduces risks of sample manipulation. By using hair specimens, which are harder to adulterate compared to urine samples, this method guarantees reliable and undeniable test outcomes. It ensures the integrity of drug test results, vital for maintaining trust in workplace policies.
Accessing testing facilities is convenient in Winston, MO, with nationwide and local centers. This extensive network facilitates seamless and quick testing processes, eliminating barriers and providing hassle-free access for individuals needing drug testing services, ensuring that tests are conducted efficiently and locally.
In Winston, MO, the drug testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to results delivery, each step is designed to prioritize privacy, offering an easy-to-navigate system. This ensures individuals a smooth experience without compromising personal confidentiality or integrity.
With affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, Winston, MO offers exceptional value for hair follicle tests. Catering to businesses of varying sizes, cost-effective solutions ensure quality results without lengthy waits, providing a cost-efficient approach to maintaining workplace safety and compliance standards.
In Winston, MO, hair follicle drug tests stand out with their precision and rapidity. Known for high accuracy in substance detection, these tests swiftly provide results without the common delays associated with traditional methods. Reliable and quick outcomes make them indispensable for employers and compliance-driven industries alike.
Employers in Winston, MO achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By upholding workplace drug-free policies, legal risks are minimized while workplace safety is enhanced. This testing method ensures organizations can meet regulatory requirements effortlessly, promoting a secure work environment.
