Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers a prolonged history of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of roughly 3 months for various substances. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar amount of hair from the body can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to any other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process to determine a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of the sample into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional entries absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug usage. Although Screening offers an economical approach to negating drug use for most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples indicated as positive in Screening necessitate further affirmation.
Upon presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This process involves extracting drugs from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (i.e., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive result obtained during Screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages Over Urine Testing in Mineral Springs, AR: Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests with its superior detection capabilities. It provides enhanced accuracy and more reliable results, making it a preferred choice for comprehensive substance use screening.
This testing method is increasingly favored for its longer detection periods and resistance to tampering, offering clear benefits over more conventional approaches.
Extended Detection Window in Mineral Springs, AR: Hair follicle tests can reveal drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This extended window provides a thorough picture of a person’s substance history, which is invaluable for employers seeking to understand an individual's long-term habits.
Thanks to this prolonged detection period, employers gain deeper insights into applicant and employee substance use, aiding in better decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Method for Mineral Springs, AR: Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures results that are trustworthy, as the collection process leaves minimal room for manipulation or error.
By leveraging hair testing, organizations can be confident about the integrity and reliability of drug test outcomes, safeguarding their operational standards.
Convenient Testing Locations in Mineral Springs, AR: Our vast network of testing centers nationwide, including in local areas, ensures easy access to drug testing services. This convenience simplifies the process, making it hassle-free.
Whether in Mineral Springs or elsewhere, clients have the flexibility to choose from numerous locations, facilitating prompt test administration.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mineral Springs, AR: Ordering and undertaking a hair follicle test is streamlined and confidential, ensuring privacy is respected throughout. We prioritize ease of use for all involved parties.
With a seamless process from start to finish, individuals can take comfort in knowing their personal information is protected and results remain confidential.
Affordable Pricing, Fast Turnaround in Mineral Springs, AR: Our competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times offer exceptional value for businesses of varying sizes. We aim to deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
Clients can depend on receiving timely results, enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining budget-friendly practices.
Fast, Accurate Results in Mineral Springs, AR: Hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid and precise outcomes. This method excels in pinpointing substance usage with high accuracy, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions quickly.
The speed and reliability of hair follicle testing make it exceptionally suitable for time-sensitive situations, ensuring that accurate results are available when needed without unnecessary delays.
Compliance and Peace of Mind in Mineral Springs, AR: Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers to adhere to drug-free workplace policies effectively. It mitigates legal risks while promoting a safer work environment.
This testing approach offers employers the assurance needed to maintain regulatory compliance and enhance overall workplace safety, reducing potential liabilities.
