Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair, it offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use. Hair, when cut near the scalp, can reveal drug and alcohol intake over the past three months. It's easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp produces a 100mg sample, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of head hair, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the procedure of entering a sample into the lab’s system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in most cases, any positive results need confirmation to be legally valid. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
When a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are pulled from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Positive results from screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually done on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outperform urine testing in Evening Shade, AR? Hair tests offer a superior detection period, identifying drug use far longer than urine tests. The reliability of hair testing surpasses traditional methods, making it a preferred choice for many.
In Evening Shade, AR, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, uncovering drug use up to 90 days, greatly surpassing the short span of urine tests. Employers benefit from gaining a comprehensive perspective on an individual's substance history.
Hair follicle tests in Evening Shade, AR, represent a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly reducing sample adulteration risks. Delivering reliable and unquestionable results, these tests are a trusted standard in the industry.
Offering convenience, our nationwide and local testing centers in Evening Shade, AR, provide quick and hassle-free access to services. This vast network ensures efficiency and ease in accessing testing resources.
The process of hair follicle testing in Evening Shade, AR, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking tests, and receiving results are straightforward, maintaining privacy and ensuring user ease.
In Evening Shade, AR, hair follicle tests offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes while ensuring peace of mind.
In Evening Shade, AR, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate results, emphasizing their high precision in identifying substance use. When reliability counts, hair follicle tests excel, swiftly detecting potential drug activity.
The testing process is thorough yet efficient, ensuring that employers and individuals receive results that are consistent and trustworthy.
In Evening Shade, AR, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This leads to reduced legal risks and enhanced workplace safety, giving employers peace of mind.