Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective approach for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by sequestering biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the root, hair offers approximately a 3-month retrospective window for identifying alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) close to the root will provide 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. Should scalp hair be lacking, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admittance. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo a wash before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Squires, MO highlights clear advantages. Hair testing surpasses urine tests in detection accuracy and reliability, offering a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use. With hair tests, detecting longstanding substance use becomes more straightforward, elevating the overall efficacy of drug screening programs.
Employers in Squires, MO can benefit from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. Covering up to 90 days, this method offers a thorough insight into an individual's drug-use history. As a result, companies can make more informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees, ensuring a safer and more responsible working environment.
The hair follicle test method in Squires, MO substantially reduces the possibilities of sample tampering, ensuring reliable results. This testing approach offers a robust defense against adulteration, making it a trustworthy choice for substance detection. Employers can confidently rely on the integrity of hair test results, reinforcing their drug-free workplace policies.
Enjoy the convenience of nationwide drug testing centers, including those in Squires, MO. Our locations ensure hassle-free access to services, making the testing process quick and easy. With strategically placed centers, obtaining necessary tests becomes a straightforward experience for individuals and employers seeking reliable drug testing services.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Squires, MO is straightforward and confidential. Prioritizing ease of use and privacy, the steps involved are minimal and user-friendly. This approach ensures that individuals can participate in drug screening without concerns about the complexity or confidentiality of their test experience.
Recognized for competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Squires, MO offers excellent value to businesses of all sizes. This cost-effective solution allows companies to access top-tier drug screening services without impacting their budgets, while still ensuring thorough and timely results delivery.
In Squires, MO, hair follicle drug tests set the standard for precision and speed in substance detection. These tests boast high accuracy rates, minimizing the risk of false negatives or positives. The testing process efficiently identifies a range of substances, ensuring that results are both rapid and dependable, catering to the needs of employers and individuals alike.
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug policies in Squires, MO. By ensuring adherence to drug-free standards, companies can minimize legal risks and enhance safety. The implementation of hair testing fosters peace of mind for employers, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a secure and productive work environment.