Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair records long-term exposure to alcohol and various drugs by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When collected from the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month detection period for substances such as alcohol and drugs. Its collection process is straightforward, it's fairly resistant to tampering, and it's easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If there's no scalp hair available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial introduction of a sample to the laboratory system. This step involves confirming the sample's correct sealing and shipment, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data entry that's not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective method to rule out substance use in the majority of samples, any positive results require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples yielding presumptive positive results during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positive outcomes in the Screening process, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction stage. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening poses the most challenges.
Positive results require Confirmation through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirming presumptive positives, all samples are washed if needed. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," these analyses focus on the hair strand, not the scalp-embedded hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Springtown, AR: In Springtown, AR, hair follicle drug testing surpasses urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which may miss prolonged drug use, hair testing ensures reliable results by detecting drugs consumed months earlier. This enhanced detection capability provides a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Springtown, AR: One of the prime advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to reveal drug use over a significantly extended timeframe, up to 90 days. This long detection period provides a thorough view of an employee or candidate’s drug history, assisting employers in Springtown in making informed hiring and workplace safety decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Springtown, AR: Hair follicle drug testing is designed to minimize the risk of sample adulteration. This robust testing method ensures that results are reliable and difficult to tamper with, providing unquestionable assurance to employers and institutions. In Springtown, this translates to trustworthy assessments free from sample manipulation risks.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Springtown, AR: Accredited Drug Testing services offer easily accessible locations for conducting hair follicle tests. With a network of nationwide centers, including those in Springtown, AR, individuals benefit from quick and convenient access to testing services, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all involved parties.
Simple, Confidential Process in Springtown, AR: The process of ordering and conducting hair follicle tests in Springtown is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From test booking to result receipt, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, calming concerns about confidentiality and simplifying the overall testing experience for the user.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Springtown, AR: Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures complemented by quick turnaround times. Springtown businesses can take advantage of these benefits, receiving high-quality testing services that deliver exceptional value, ensuring peace of mind and consistent drug policy compliance across companies of varying sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Springtown, AR: Hair follicle drug tests in Springtown stand out for delivering speedy and dependable results. Their high precision ensures substance use is detected accurately, offering peace of mind to employers and institutions. Whether addressing workplace compliance or personal concerns, the reliability of hair tests provides assurance in decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Springtown, AR: Employing hair follicle testing assures Springtown employers of compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, minimizing potential legal issues. This testing method promotes a secure work environment, enhancing both employer and employee confidence through consistent and conclusive test results.
