Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption for nearly a three-month timeframe. It is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is perfect for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four crucial steps in lab-processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab's system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial drug abuse check. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive screen need further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs in this phase are extracted at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), establishing hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," these tests examine the hair strand, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
In Oxford, AR, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in detecting substance use. While urine tests are standard, hair tests offer higher accuracy, capturing a longer drug use history. This ensures profound insights, aiding organizations in maintaining safety and compliance, and providing a reliable tool against substance misuse.
Hair follicle testing in Oxford, AR, reveals drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection window allows employers to understand an individual’s substance use more thoroughly, assisting in making informed decisions and supporting a safe and secure work environment.
Oxford, AR benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. The collection method nearly eliminates sample adulteration, providing trustworthy outcomes. This robustness ensures that the test results reflect authentic drug usage, safeguarding against deception and ensuring accurate assessments.
Our nationwide testing centers, including local ones in Oxford, AR, ensure convenient access to drug testing services. The widespread availability facilitates quick and efficient testing, offering flexible options that suit various needs without significant delays or travel burdens.
The hair follicle testing process in Oxford, AR, is straightforward and confidential. From order placement to result retrieval, every step is designed to protect your privacy, ensuring an easy-to-use solution. This streamlined approach caters to concerns about confidentiality and ease of use seamlessly.
Oxford, AR businesses benefit from our affordable pricing and speedy test result turnaround. Our competitive pricing structure offers excellent value, accommodating companies of all sizes while ensuring quick results. This balance provides peace of mind and financial efficiency, supporting business needs effectively.
The hair follicle drug test offers quick and correct results in Oxford, AR. Its precision in identifying substance use surpasses traditional methods, providing clear conclusions about an individual’s drug use history. This test’s swift processing ensures timely updates, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions without prolonged waiting periods.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Oxford, AR, ensures employers meet drug-free workplace standards. This method minimizes legal liabilities and enhances safety, offering peace of mind to employers. Employers can readily adhere to compliance requirements, fostering a secure and productive environment.
