Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a vital resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of growing hair strands capture biomarkers, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and drug exposure. Hair samples collected near the scalp can reveal a glimpse of substance usage spanning up to three months. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
Securing a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and validation tests. For EtG, additional screenings, or tests requiring more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. All other hair types, like facial and axillary, are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The main steps in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves confirming the sample is sealed and shipped adequately, assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data input absent from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial, rapid evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening offers an affordable means to exclude drug use in many samples, any positive results must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
Samples indicated as presumptively positive during Screening undergo further hair extraction from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drug substances are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods, like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair analysis the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of positive screenings is executed using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the guidelines of CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often misused when describing tests that analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Illmo, MO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering a more accurate detection method. Hair testing boasts a longer detection period, making it invaluable for long-term assessments of substance use.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing is virtually impossible to tamper with, resulting in trustworthy results that enhance policy enforcement in workplaces and legal systems.
Employers in Illmo, MO, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which spans up to 90 days. This comprehensive evaluation period provides insights into an individual's long-term drug habits.
This long-term detection allows companies to monitor and maintain workplace safety and compliance by identifying substance abuse that may not be evident in shorter monitoring periods.
Hair follicle tests in Illmo, MO, offer a tamper-resistant alternative to urine tests, ensuring the authenticity of test samples. This characteristic is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the results.
The reduced risk of adulteration contributes to the reliability of hair testing, serving as a dependable method for organizations and individuals alike.
With conveniently located testing centers across Illmo, MO, and nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing offers easy access to our services. This widespread network allows for hassle-free scheduling and testing.
The convenience of local centers ensures minimal disruption for employees and individuals seeking testing, making the process seamless and efficient.
In Illmo, MO, Accredited Drug Testing provides a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. Ordering, undergoing the test, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure user privacy.
Our process guarantees confidentiality while maintaining ease of use, addressing any privacy concerns individuals may have.
Accredited Drug Testing in Illmo, MO, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle drug tests, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. The fast turnaround times further enhance the value for businesses of any size.
Our efficient testing service provides cost-effective solutions, enabling companies to maintain drug-free workplaces without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug tests in Illmo, MO, offer rapid and precise results, establishing a new benchmark in accuracy. They provide comprehensive analysis by detecting a wide array of substances effectively.
With advanced technologies, these tests ensure high reliability in uncovering substance use, supporting quick decision-making for employers, judges, and healthcare professionals.
For employers in Illmo, MO, utilizing hair follicle testing aids in maintaining workplace safety and compliance, reducing potential legal liabilities. It fosters a drug-free environment by ensuring adherence to policy.
By implementing this testing method, organizations can ensure peace of mind as the likelihood of policy breaches is minimized, supporting a safer workplace atmosphere.