Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is considered an influential medium for identifying alcohol and drug usage. It archives an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection stands out for being straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment, roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferable. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage of incorporating a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This entails affirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not supplied by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial brief evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be accepted in judicial settings. Any samples that test tentatively positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a tentative positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The overall laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is inspected adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp
In Patterson, MO, hair follicle testing offers a clear advantage over traditional urine tests. Superior detection accuracy makes it the preferred choice for employers seeking reliable substance use evidence. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis detects drug and alcohol use over a longer period, providing better information on the individual's habits. This makes it invaluable for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
The power of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection capability, particularly in Patterson, MO. Detecting drugs over a span of up to 90 days, it offers employers a thorough insight into the drug use history of both potential and current employees. This extended window ensures a comprehensive understanding of an individual's habits, beyond what regular tests provide, contributing to informed employment decisions.
In Patterson, MO, the hair follicle test presents a tamper-resistant option for drug testing, drastically lowering the chances of sample alteration. This method's inherent design makes it hard to manipulate, yielding unquestionable results. For employers seeking uncompromised accuracy, hair testing stands out as a dependable and transparent solution, ensuring peace of mind with every test administered.
With numerous convenient locations across the nation and local sites in Patterson, MO, testing has never been more accessible. Our nationwide testing centers ensure that scheduling a test is quick and hassle-free. Whether in Patterson or beyond, our comprehensive network supports easy access to drug testing services, meeting clients' needs for swift and efficient testing procedures.
In Patterson, MO, drug testing is simplified with a straightforward and confidential process. Ordering, sampling, and receiving results are designed to respect privacy while maintaining ease of use. The method ensures individuals' confidentiality remains intact, promoting trust and comfort for all participants as they navigate the drug testing process, tailored to meet personal and professional demands.
Competitive pricing structures and rapid result processing characterize hair follicle testing in Patterson, MO. Businesses of every size benefit from the affordable services that do not compromise speed or quality. The value received ensures organizations can maintain their peace of mind, knowing they are not sacrificing financial resources for efficiency and accuracy in drug testing.
Hair follicle testing in Patterson, MO stands out for its speed and precision. Unlike other methods, it provides accurate detection of substance use. Fast and reliable, the process ensures results that you can trust, giving employers clear insights into an individual's drug history. The quick processing time ensures that decisions can be made without unnecessary delays, supporting efficient workforce management.
Employers in Patterson, MO can assure compliance with their drug-free policies by adopting hair follicle testing. These tests offer peace of mind, ensuring adherence to legal standards while enhancing workplace safety. The reduced legal risks associated with this testing method, thanks to its accuracy and reliability, make it an essential tool for maintaining a responsible and secure working environment.
