Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal long-term ingestion patterns by embedding biomarkers in the growing strand. Hair taken near the scalp can reflect alcohol and drug usage over a span of up to about three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair—ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for measuring the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a laboratory includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is entered into the laboratory's system. This step involves checking if the sample was sealed and transported properly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry omitted from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial swift evaluation for drug presence. While Screening is an affordable method to disclaim drug use for most samples, any positive screen result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair from the original specimen is used for Extraction. This stage extracts drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug analysis the most challenging procedure to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gamaliel, AR
Hair testing outshines urine tests in several aspects. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a longer detection window and are less susceptible to sample tampering, ensuring genuine results.
Traditional urine tests can miss certain substances due to shorter detection periods. In comparison, hair testing provides comprehensive results that are consistent and reliable, making it the preferred choice among employers.
Extended Detection Window in Gamaliel, AR
Hair follicle tests can reveal drug use history for up to 90 days, giving insights into long-term substance use patterns. This extended detection period is invaluable for employers seeking to understand an applicant's or employee's history.
With such a broad detection window, employers gain a clear picture of an individual’s substance habits, which is instrumental in making informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gamaliel, AR
Hair follicle testing greatly reduces sample adulteration risks, offering reliable results that are hard to contest. Unlike urine samples, hair samples are resistant to tampering, ensuring integrity.
This tamper-proof nature of hair tests helps maintain high trust and credibility in results, which is crucial for legal and employment proceedings in Gamaliel.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gamaliel, AR
Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees easy access, helping Gamaliel residents undergo testing without hassle. This convenience empowers immediate and effective testing solutions.
With local and nationwide locations, individuals and employers in Gamaliel can quickly find a center to meet their testing needs, providing seamless and fast service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gamaliel, AR
The hair follicle testing process here is both straightforward and confidential, ensuring ease of use while safeguarding privacy. From ordering to results, the process is user-friendly and secure.
Confidentiality is a priority, and the steps from test initiation to result delivery are designed to protect personal information, making it accessible yet private for Gamaliel residents.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gamaliel, AR
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times offer remarkable value to businesses. Quick results mean swift decision-making, vital for maintaining productivity and budgetary constraints.
By combining affordable costs with expedited service, we support companies of all sizes in Gamaliel, ensuring they receive outstanding service within their financial plans.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gamaliel, AR
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed, providing highly accurate detection of substance use. This method quickly identifies a range of substances, supporting quick decision-making in critical scenarios.
The non-invasive nature and swiftness of hair testing mean results without the waiting. Employers in Gamaliel benefit from timely assessments, enhancing their hiring and monitoring processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gamaliel, AR
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace laws, minimizing legal exposure and enhancing workplace safety. It's a trusted method to fortify employers' policies.
Employers can rest easy knowing that employing hair testing not only meets compliance requirements but also offers a safer environment for all employees.
