Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate biomarkers within the fibers, providing a historical record of alcohol and drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing. For EtG, advanced panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent portion of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary quick assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Eureka Springs, AR, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over urine tests. This method detects drugs more accurately and reliably over extended periods. While urine tests are common, hair testing excels in showcasing superior detection capabilities, making it an ideal choice for drug policies.
Employers in Eureka Springs, AR, benefit from the extended detection window that hair follicle testing offers. This method tracks drug use over approximately 90 days, providing a broader picture of an individual's substance use history, crucial for informed decision-making.
In Eureka Springs, AR, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method. With its nature, it significantly reduces the chances of sample manipulation, ensuring that results are trustworthy and can't be easily questioned, safeguarding integrity.
The convenience of our nationwide testing centers, including local ones in Eureka Springs, AR, ensures that accessing our services is quick and hassle-free. This network of locations allows for easy testing, accommodating busy schedules with minimal disruption.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Eureka Springs, AR, remains simple and confidential. Concerns regarding privacy are addressed, offering an easy and discreet way to carry out testing.
Our affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times in Eureka Springs, AR, ensures that companies of all sizes can utilize our services. This combination delivers excellent value, ensuring peace of mind while maintaining budgetary limits.
Hair follicle drug tests in Eureka Springs, AR, provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are not only timely but exhibit a high degree of precision in identifying substance use. Their accuracy surpasses many traditional methods, reinforcing their appeal to both employers and professionals.
Employers in Eureka Springs, AR, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal challenges and enhances workplace safety, providing a secure environment for both staff and management.
