Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Chula, MO

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a vital approach for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for testing and verification. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. Head hair refers to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory's database. This process involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective method for ruling out drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be admissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening require a second confirmation.

If a sample is found to be presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.

The confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can uncover drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection window.
• Hard to deceive: It is extremely challenging to falsify a hair drug test, resulting in more dependable outcomes.
• Provides historical insight: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other drug testing methods.
• Variability in results: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: While commonly referenced as "hair follicle tests", the test actually assesses the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chula, MO Hair tests outshine traditional urine ones by offering enhanced detection and reliability. They are unparalleled in terms of accuracy and efficiency.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Chula, MO Hair follicle tests reveal substance use up to 90 days prior, offering a broad perspective of an individual’s substance history, vital for employers assessing potential hires.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chula, MO Hair testing drastically curtails the likelihood of sample tampering, providing trustworthy and definitive results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chula, MO Our nationwide testing centers ensure seamless and quick access to testing services, enhancing convenience for everyone.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Chula, MO The streamlined and private process assures ease when ordering, conducting, and receiving results, maintaining confidentiality at every step.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chula, MO We offer competitive pricing and quick result times, providing substantial value and confidence for businesses of every size.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chula, MO Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid, yet precise outcomes, making them a preferred choice. The method's high precision ensures detection of substance use efficiently.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chula, MO Implementing hair follicle testing assures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thus mitigating legal risks and boosting safety.

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