Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing strands. When gathered near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal drug and alcohol use over nearly a 90-day period. Collection of hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easily shipped.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary checks, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is advised for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to initially incorporating a sample into a lab's system. This stage involves confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for detecting drug abuse. It is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug use in numerous samples, however, a positive result must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a tentative positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing pre-confirmation as deemed necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated based on both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bell City, MO
In Bell City, MO, hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests. One key benefit is its longer detection period, which gives a more detailed picture of substance use. Moreover, it's less prone to changes that can undermine urine tests, making it a more reliable solution.
Extended Detection Window in Bell City, MO
The hair follicle test's ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days provides an extensive view of an individual's substance history. Employers in Bell City, MO benefit from this as it gives a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's long-term behaviors, beyond just recent usage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bell City, MO
Hair follicle tests are notably tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. In Bell City, MO, this ensures that results remain unquestionable and reliable, offering confidence to employers and other stakeholders choosing these tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Bell City, MO
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of nationwide testing centers, including Bell City, MO, making access to testing services quick and hassle-free. This convenience ensures that individuals have easy access to reliable drug testing services anytime they need it.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bell City, MO
In Bell City, MO, we provide a simple and confidential process for ordering and conducting hair follicle tests. From start to finish, our services prioritize privacy and ease, ensuring all participants experience a process that's straightforward and respectful of personal confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bell City, MO
Our competitive pricing structure in Bell City, MO, guarantees affordable access to hair follicle testing coupled with a fast turnaround time. Companies of various sizes benefit from excellent value, ensuring they get credible test results promptly without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bell City, MO
Hair follicle drug testing is known for its precision and speed, especially in Bell City, MO. It provides high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring that results are trustworthy and delivered quickly. This method surpasses traditional testing with consistent and reliable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bell City, MO
Using hair follicle testing allows employers in Bell City, MO to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach aids in reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, providing peace of mind for both employers and employees.
