Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal long-term alcohol and drug history by capturing biomarkers within the developing hair strand's fibers. When extracted near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of about three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively challenging to alter, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest measuring the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step of incorporating a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. All samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often named "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle underneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ravenwood, MO
Comparing hair and urine tests, hair testing emerges superior in Ravenwood due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. It equips stakeholders with a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use, surpassing traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Ravenwood, MO
Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window of up to 90 days in Ravenwood, allowing for a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history. Employers gain valuable information when assessing potential or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ravenwood, MO
Ravenwood's hair follicle tests are designed to significantly minimize risks of sample tampering. This ensures reliability and guarantees results that are both trustworthy and indisputable, maintaining integrity throughout the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ravenwood, MO
Our widespread testing centers, including those in Ravenwood, ensure easy access to drug testing services. This widespread availability guarantees a prompt, hassle-free experience for clients seeking reliable testing options.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ravenwood, MO
In Ravenwood, the streamlined and confidential testing process caters to individuals' needs for privacy and ease. Clients can rest assured knowing their data and test results are managed securely, enhancing overall convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ravenwood, MO
Our competitive pricing and swift test processing in Ravenwood offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Quick results provide peace of mind, reinforcing the strategic advantage of choosing our services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ravenwood, MO
Hair follicle drug tests in Ravenwood offer precision and rapid results, underlining their outstanding accuracy in substance detection. These tests provide quick, dependable insights into drug use, fostering a trustworthy evaluation process for all parties involved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ravenwood, MO
Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers in Ravenwood ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal exposure and elevates workplace safety, while providing assurance to both employers and employees.
