Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis serves as an influential means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers a prolonged history of such substances by trapping detectable markers within the growing hair's fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to about 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. It's straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is the suggested amount. It's recommended to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be lacking, an equivalent body hair sample may be utilized. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages within lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial introduction of a sample into a lab’s system. It involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry absent an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for potential substance abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective in eliminating drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive outcome necessitates validation to be considered acceptable in legal settings. Samples perceived positive in Screening must undergo a secondary verification process.
When a sample is suggested positive during Screening, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are derived from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly named "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the scalp-level follicle.
When comparing testing methods in Whitewater, MO, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests. The robustness of hair testing ensures a higher level of accuracy and reliability. It effectively captures a timeline of usage, offering insights beyond the immediate timeframe possible with urine tests. This comprehensive nature defines its edge, granting a superior detection capability for individuals and organizations alike.
The extended detection window is a major advantage of hair follicle testing in Whitewater, MO. Unlike other tests, it can trace back drug use up to 90 days, providing employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance habits. This long-term perspective is invaluable for making informed decisions, painting a full picture of a person's history far beyond the immediate past.
Hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant solution in Whitewater, MO, dramatically minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. Its methodology ensures that results are reliable and remain uncontested. By utilizing samples unaffected by typical cheating methods, this approach guarantees authenticity and gives assurance in the integrity of the testing process.
Accessing hair follicle testing services in Whitewater, MO, is exceptionally convenient thanks to our extensive network of nationwide centers. We provide quick and hassle-free service, making testing processes smooth and stress-free. Our local and expansive reach ensures that whether you are located nearby or across the nation, seamless access is guaranteed.
In Whitewater, MO, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Ordering, administering, and receiving results are streamlined to preserve privacy and user ease. We're committed to handling everything discreetly, addressing any privacy concerns effectively while facilitating a straightforward experience for all involved parties.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our services in Whitewater, MO, offer excellent value for businesses. Our competitive rates ensure that companies, regardless of size, can benefit from our testing services. Quick result delivery maximizes efficiency, aligning perfectly with diverse organizational needs for comprehensive drug testing solutions.
In Whitewater, MO, hair follicle drug testing is recognized for providing fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method excels in precision, detecting substances effectively and swiftly. The high accuracy ensures that the test results contribute significantly to comprehensive assessments. The quick processing times further enhance confidence among users in the capabilities of hair testing over conventional methods.
Employers in Whitewater, MO, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. It supports adherence to workplace drug policies, mitigating legal risk and fostering a safer work environment. The testing method aligns with regulations, ensuring that both employee safety and company interests are upheld effortlessly through trustworthy results.
