Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a significant method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the strands, offering an extended history of drug and alcohol use. When collected near the scalp, it offers a detection period of roughly up to three months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil in size) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or analysis exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially integrated into the laboratory’s system. This process verifies the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug use from most samples, a positive Screen requires confirmation to be legally accepted. Any Screening that is initially positive demands further confirmation.
If a sample is potentially positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the provided specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than seen in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening notably challenging to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening involves techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any potential positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fulton, AR
Hair testing has proven more effective than urine tests for several reasons. The enhanced detection window allows for identification of substance use far beyond the capabilities of urine tests. Additionally, the accuracy and reliability of hair tests make them superior, ensuring that results are trustworthy and reflective of long-term behavior.
Extended Detection Window in Fulton, AR
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This is invaluable for employers in Fulton, AR, seeking insight into the substance habits of applicants or employees, providing a complete overview that other methods can't match.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fulton, AR
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of tampering, ensuring results remain accurate and indisputable. In Fulton, AR, this method offers a foolproof approach to substance testing, effectively preventing the common pitfalls associated with sample adulteration in other test types, such as urine.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fulton, AR
Accredited Drug Testing provides extensive access with its nationwide centers, simplifying the testing process for individuals in Fulton, AR. Whether local or across the country, our centers ensure testing is convenient, rapid, and stress-free, making it easy to access the services you need when you need them.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fulton, AR
Our testing procedures in Fulton, AR are designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease at every step. From ordering the test to receiving results, the entire process respects client confidentiality and simplifies participation, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fulton, AR
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times. In Fulton, AR, this means excellent value for organizations of any size, providing cost-effective solutions that don't compromise on quality or speed, thus giving businesses the assurance they need without delays.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fulton, AR
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its accuracy and speed. In Fulton, AR, clients benefit from tests that precisely detect substance use, offering comprehensive insights quickly. The results of hair tests, due to their advanced methodologies, are not only fast but also boast high precision, ensuring that clients receive dependable data they can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fulton, AR
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps Fulton, AR employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal exposure and bolstering overall safety. By relying on this reliable testing method, companies can ensure their workforce adheres to necessary health and safety regulations, fostering a secure environment.
