Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the structure of the hair as it grows. When procured near the scalp, a hair sample can deliver an approximate three-month assessment period for the presence of alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) collected closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended to weigh the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered instead. When discussing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid examination for the presence of illicit drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in the bulk of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples showing a presumptive positive outcome during Screening are subject to further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen to be prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
The Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination itself targets the hair strand, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Compared to standard urine tests, hair follicle testing provides numerous advantages in Big Flat, AR. The superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it a preferred choice. Its longer detection window ensures more comprehensive insights into substance use history.
In Big Flat, AR, hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window, providing insights into drug use history up to 90 days. This feature gives employers a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance use, crucial for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Big Flat, AR, is noted for being a tamper-resistant testing method. The structure of hair samples minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring the reliability and validity of results which can be trusted by employers and institutions.
With convenient testing locations across the nation and in Big Flat, AR, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. This wide network ensures that individuals can easily locate a testing center, promoting timely and efficient testing processes.
In Big Flat, AR, the process of conducting hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns about discreetness and efficiency in testing.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Big Flat, AR, presents excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures combined with quick results deliver peace of mind without compromising on cost or quality.
In Big Flat, AR, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for providing fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are precise in identifying substance use, ensuring a high level of accuracy. Thanks to these characteristics, businesses can trust the conclusions derived from these tests in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Employers in Big Flat, AR, can achieve compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. This testing method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thus reducing legal risks and enhancing safety standards within the workplace environment.
