Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an efficient method for identifying substance use. Hair strands offer a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the growing fibers. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can detect substance usage for up to a 3-month window. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and about 200 hairs (similar to a #2 pencil in width) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The crucial stages in laboratory processing for drug testing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing missing data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary examination for possible drug abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positives at the Screening phase, additional hair from the same specimen is prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drug compounds are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before undergoing confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.
Comparing hair to urine tests reveals inherent benefits. Hair testing in Blue Eye, AR, offers superior accuracy, ensuring confidence in results. Longer detection periods cover up to 90 days, surpassing urine's limitations. This remarkable reliability diminishes chances of false negatives, persuading many employers to choose hair tests for their unrivaled efficiency.
Hair follicle tests in Blue Eye, AR, have a significant advantage with their extended detection window. By covering up to 90 days, they deliver a comprehensive overview of one's substance history. Employers gain insights into patterns of use, helping in making informed decisions in hiring processes by highlighting persistent or consistent drug use effectively.
For secure results, hair follicle tests in Blue Eye, AR, shine with their tamper-resistant nature. By minimizing the risk of adulteration, these tests provide results that are both reliable and uncontestable. The robust procedure diminishes chances of deceit, ensuring that outcomes remain trustworthy and litigable in any situation.
The convenience of nationwide testing is evident in Blue Eye, AR. With numerous locations, access to testing services is quick and hassle-free.
The process for hair follicle testing in Blue Eye, AR, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy.
Offering affordable pricing and swift responses, hair follicle testing in Blue Eye, AR, stands out. Our competitive pricing structures suit businesses of any size, presenting excellent value. The fast turnaround allows companies to make timely decisions, balancing budget and quality with unmatched peace of mind.
Hair follicle testing in Blue Eye, AR, boasts top precision. Fast and dependable, these tests deliver accurate results, providing a clear picture of substance use.
Compliance is paramount for Blue Eye, AR, employers utilizing hair follicle tests. Adhering to zero-tolerance drug policies, these tests significantly reduce legal risks. They enhance workplace safety by ensuring thorough screening, thus offering employers peace of mind with proactive measures in place for maintaining a drug-free environment.
