Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. It offers a prolonged record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, the hair can reveal a detection window up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drug usage. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and straightforward to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Note that head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair covers all other types (face, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of hair drug testing involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the first step, where a sample is processed into the lab’s system, confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry in the absence of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial fast assessment for substances of abuse. While it's cost-efficient to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily positive are washed as part of the preparation for confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory processing from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing provides a far greater advantage over traditional urine tests in Williamsville, MO. The primary distinction lies in its superior detection capability, allowing a longer window to identify substance use. In addition to the extensive detection period, hair tests prove more reliable as they minimize the risk of tampering, significantly outperforming urine analyses.
Extended Detection Window: In Williamsville, MO, hair follicle testing serves as an invaluable tool for employers. This method extends the detection period of drugs to as long as 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. Such an extensive window ensures that employers have complete insight into the drug use patterns of prospective hires or existing employees.
Williamsville, MO turns to hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant properties. Unlike other methods, hair tests diminish the likelihood of sample adulteration, presenting consistent, unfaltering results. By substantially lowering the risk of tampering, they offer an undeniable advantage, making sure that the outcomes delivered remain trustworthy and reliable under all circumstances.
With accessible nationwide testing centers, including local sites in Williamsville, MO, our services are convenient and efficient. These comprehensive locations ensure that the process of undergoing drug tests is swift and hassle-free, allowing individuals and companies to avail themselves of our top-notch services without logistical concerns.
In Williamsville, MO, the process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results is both simple and discreet. Privacy is paramount, and we ensure that confidentiality is maintained throughout every step, making the experience not only straightforward but also respectful of personal and sensitive data.
Our competitive pricing and expedited turnaround times provide great value for companies in Williamsville, MO. With affordable rates and fast results, our services offer a peace of mind that meets the financial and operational needs of businesses, whether small or large, ensuring a seamless testing experience.
Williamsville, MO benefits from the rapidity and dependability of hair follicle drug testing. Not only delivering fast outcomes but also boasting superior accuracy, these tests allow for precise detection of substance use, providing results that stakeholders can trust. Thanks to their high precision, hair tests are an optimal choice for those seeking reliable verification of substance history.
Employers in Williamsville, MO find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, assuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances workplace safety significantly. By opting for hair testing, organizations can uphold stringent standards and maintain a safe, compliant environment.
