Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption has grown significantly. Hair offers an extensive history of substance use by trapping biological markers within the strands as they develop. When cut near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the circumference of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties of hair (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The core stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is concerned with the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This entails confirming the sample was securely sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples tentatively positive through Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
If initial Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and set for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging procedure to conduct.
Confirmation of every positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
Hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. In Hartwell, MO, it is acknowledged for its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can identify a longer history of substance use, which is essential for comprehensive evaluations. This leads to more informed decisions for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies.
Accuracy is another area where hair tests excel. They mitigate the risks of false negatives or positives, providing a clearer assessment of an individual's substance use history.
One of the primary advantages of hair follicle testing in Hartwell, MO is its extended detection window. It can detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days, giving employers a robust overview of an individual's substance history. This extensive timeline is critical for employers looking to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace.
With an expanded window of detection, hair testing allows for a deeper analysis, uncovering patterns of substance use that might go unnoticed with shorter-term testing methods.
Hair follicle testing in Hartwell, MO provides a tamper-resistant method for substance screening. This test significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain reliable and trustworthy. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are difficult to alter, providing peace of mind to employers and testing agencies.
Reliability is enhanced through the secure nature of the collection process, which minimizes opportunities for sample tampering or substitution.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations both nationwide and locally in Hartwell, MO. This accessibility ensures that individuals and businesses can easily access our services without hassle. Our widespread presence makes the process seamless and efficient for everyone involved.
With easy access to testing centers, both local residents and those from further afield find our services readily available, reducing wait times and travel burdens.
Our hair follicle testing process in Hartwell, MO is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, we ensure that each step is straightforward and respects individual privacy concerns. Clients can rest assured that their information remains secure throughout the process.
The emphasis on confidentiality reassures participants that their data is handled sensitively, fostering confidence and trust in our services.
In Hartwell, MO, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing for hair follicle tests, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can benefit from these services. Alongside competitive rates, we provide fast turnaround times, delivering value and convenience. This pricing structure enables organizations to maintain safety without overextending budgets.
Value is a cornerstone of our offerings, balancing cost-effectiveness with the high quality of our drug testing services.
In Hartwell, MO, the precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy, detecting substance usage with remarkable reliability. The analysis process is swift, ensuring that results are delivered efficiently. This makes them an ideal choice for situations where timely and accurate results are paramount.
Speed is a critical factor in hair testing, providing quick outcomes without sacrificing accuracy. Employers and individuals benefit from this efficiency, gaining essential insights in less time compared to other methods.
For employers in Hartwell, MO, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method provides a safeguard against legal challenges, reducing liabilities associated with substance abuse. By implementing hair testing, employers can foster a safer and more productive work environment.
Compliance with these standards not only supports legal frameworks but also enhances corporate reputation and employee trust.
