Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended record by embedding biomarkers within the shaft of the elongating hair. Hair sampled near the scalp can deliver up to about a quarter-year detection timeline for drugs and alcohol. It's easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp results in about 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. In the absence of head hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Mention of head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair signifies any other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
Key phases in the laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's framework. It encompasses the validation that the specimen was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for drugs. Though effective in cost to exclude drug presence in most cases, a positive screening must be confirmed to be acceptable in legal settings. Any sample indicated as presumptively positive during Screening necessitates secondary validation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. It involves retrieving drugs from hair at far lower concentrations than typical methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex processes to execute.
Confirmation of positive results from screening uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo washing as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab procedure is critiqued under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis directly examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the surface.
Hair follicle testing in Zalma, MO, surpasses traditional urine tests by offering greater detection accuracy and reliability. Benefits include a longer detection window and reduced chances of tampering, providing employers with a trustworthy assessment of an individual's drug use history, far beyond the capabilities of urine analysis.
One major advantage of hair follicle testing in Zalma, MO, is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, offering employers a broader understanding of a person's substance consumption over time. This comprehensive outlook assists in making informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Zalma, MO, are a tamper-resistant antidote to drug test manipulation. The collection process, observing stringent methods, minimizes the likelihood of adulteration. This means employers can rely on these tests for indisputable and reliable results, securing confidence in their workplace policies.
With nationwide testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing offers unmatched convenience for residents of Zalma, MO. Our local and widespread locations assure easy, hassle-free access to services, making it simple for individuals to schedule tests at times and places that best fit their needs.
In Zalma, MO, the simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing ensures ease of use and discretion. From ordering to receiving results, the system prioritizes user privacy and confidentiality, assuaging concerns about sensitive personal information and making the process straightforward for all involved.
Accredited Drug Testing in Zalma, MO, offers affordable pricing coupled with a fast turnaround. This combination ensures that companies of all sizes can access top-tier testing services without straining their budgets, providing invaluable assistance in maintaining workplace integrity and safety.
In Zalma, MO, hair follicle drug tests provide fast and accurate results. These tests are known for their high precision in identifying substance use, offering laboratory-grade accuracy in detecting various drugs. The speed at which results are processed ensures timely decision-making for employers and individuals alike, making hair testing a reliable method for comprehensive drug screening.
Employers in Zalma, MO, gain peace of mind by incorporating hair follicle testing into their drug-free workplace policies. This compliance not only mitigates legal risks but also promotes a safer working environment, ensuring adherence to established guidelines and fostering a culture of safety and responsibility.
