Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a long-term history of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, it can offer up to a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, the manipulation is challenging, and it is convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional requests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential steps in the laboratory procedure for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the primary processing of a sample into the lab's system. It involves confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched properly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for substances of abuse. While economical to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing highly complex.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Miner, MO
When comparing hair follicle testing with conventional urine tests, the superiority is clear. Hair tests in Miner, MO, offer greater detection accuracy and reliability, identifying long-term substance use more effectively. Employers can trust hair tests to provide a comprehensive analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Miner, MO
Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window up to 90 days, surpassing urine tests' brief span. In Miner, MO, this means employers gain a broader understanding of an individual's substance history, offering clearer insight for employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Miner, MO
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Miner, MO, sets a high standard for sample reliability. With intrinsic resistance to tampering, these tests deliver indisputable results, giving employers the assurance they need against sample adulteration.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Miner, MO
Accredited Drug Testing facilities offer unparalleled convenience in Miner, MO, and across the nation. Access to testing services has never been easier with multiple locations, ensuring a seamless experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Miner, MO
The process of hair follicle testing in Miner, MO, is both simple and confidential. From order to results, privacy is prioritized, making it an easy choice for users concerned about discretion and ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Miner, MO
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnarounds in Miner, MO, providing excellent value for companies of all sizes. The combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency enhances productivity and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Miner, MO
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision in Miner, MO, ensuring quick and reliable results. The method's enhanced accuracy gives a clearer picture of substance use, facilitating confident decision-making. By effectively establishing a substance history, hair tests surpass traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Miner, MO
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind and compliance at no loss of efficiency. Employers in Miner, MO, benefit from reduced legal risks and an improved safety record.
