Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of up to about three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is advised. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's process. This phase includes verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs further confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
When a sample appears positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The entire protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Hurdland, MO, hair follicle testing offers a clear advantage over traditional urine tests. These tests boast a much longer detection window, catching substance use that urine tests might miss. Hair testing's reliability and precision make it nearly impossible to deceive, providing accurate results that are critical for employers and professionals aiming for thorough substance screening.
Employing hair follicle testing in Hurdland, MO, delivers an extended detection period, uncovering drug use up to 90 days prior. This prolonged window offers employers a complete perspective on an employee's or candidate's substance use history, facilitating more informed hiring or continued employment decisions.
Offering a tamper-resistant solution, hair follicle tests in Hurdland, MO, markedly minimize the chance of sample adulteration. The robust nature of these tests ensures results are genuine and challenging to falsify, instilling confidence in the testing's integrity and its subsequent impact on decision-making processes.
Hurdland, MO, benefits from convenient testing locations as part of a vast national network, allowing quick and accessible services. This extensive coverage ensures clients can easily find a nearby center, making the testing process straightforward and less burdensome while maintaining efficiency.
The drug testing process in Hurdland, MO, is remarkably straightforward and confidential. From the moment a test is ordered to receiving the results, privacy and simplicity are prioritized, ensuring comfort for all involved and fostering trust in the testing service provided.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing services in Hurdland, MO, provide excellent value. These services cater to various businesses, ensuring they receive quality testing without compromising on budget constraints, thereby supporting their operational and safety goals.
Hair follicle drug tests in Hurdland, MO, are recognized for their precise and swift results, providing a trustworthy tool in substance detection. These tests stand out due to their superior ability to accurately identify drug use, offering transparent insights into an individual's sobriety and ensuring that employment decisions or legal judgments are based on reliable data.
In Hurdland, MO, hair follicle testing provides employers assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal liabilities but also contributes to a safer work environment, ensuring businesses operate within legal frameworks and uphold safety standards.
