Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It grants a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug consumption for up to roughly a 3-month detection window. This method of collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests that exceed 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair applies to all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Drug testing in a laboratory encompasses four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample within a laboratory’s system. This entails verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally acceptable. All samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations far lower than those of other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the requirements for ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lambert, MO, hair follicle testing offers significant benefits over traditional urine testing. This method provides superior detection accuracy, with a longer detection window that outperforms urine tests' limited timeframe. Hair testing's reliability in identifying prolonged drug use is particularly crucial for employers maintaining strict drug-free environments. Coupled with a nearly foolproof collection process, these tests offer unmatched credibility and reassurance for substance monitoring.
Hair follicle drug testing in Lambert, MO stands out with its extended detection window, capable of revealing drug use as far back as 90 days. This feature provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, essential for making informed decisions. The ability to look at a prolonged timeframe ensures that past drug uses are not overlooked, offering a clearer picture of an applicant or employee's lifestyle and reliability.
In Lambert, MO, hair follicle tests present a secure solution against sample tampering. These tests significantly mitigate the risk of adulteration, which is a common concern with other methods like urine tests. By analyzing hair samples, which are less susceptible to manipulation, these tests deliver unwavering and trustworthy results. This tamper-resistant quality assures employers of a test's integrity and reliability, fostering confidence in their drug testing processes.
With numerous convenient testing sites nationwide and in Lambert, MO, Accredited Drug Testing offers efficient access to drug screening services. Our centers are strategically located to provide hassle-free and swift testing processes, ensuring individuals and employers can access services without delay. The establishment of these localized facilities underlines our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of communities across Lambert and beyond.
The hair follicle testing process in Lambert, MO is straightforward and private, guiding clients effortlessly from order to results. This user-friendly approach addresses privacy concerns, ensuring confidentiality throughout the testing process. With clear instructions and a streamlined setup, individuals can undergo testing with peace of mind, assured of discretion and efficiency, further enhancing the overall testing experience.
Accredited Drug Testing offers unbeatable pricing and swift turnaround times in Lambert, MO, providing exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. Our competitive rates ensure organizations can adopt comprehensive drug testing procedures without financial strain. With prompt result deliveries, companies are empowered with timely information to make critical decisions, reinforcing the cost-effectiveness and reliability of our testing services.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Lambert, MO ensure a high degree of accuracy in detecting recent substance activities. These tests are known for their ability to swiftly identify drug use, offering essential data that can influence employment decisions and workplace safety. With quick processing times, these tests deliver timely outcomes without compromising on reliability, making them a preferred choice for sensitive drug screening requirements.
Employers in Lambert, MO find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which ensures adherence to workplace drug-free standards. By employing this method, businesses can reduce potential legal Exposure and enhance safety measures. Confirming compliance not only bolsters workplace policies but also reassures stakeholders of a commitment to maintaining a secure and productive environment, thereby fostering a culture of trust and responsibility.
