Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair's structure. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal approximately a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s database. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an efficient means to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. All samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample display presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a particularly challenging method.
Any positive results from screening are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 regulations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Tumbling Shoals, AR, offering superior detection precision and reliability. It effectively identifies drug use that might escape traditional urine tests, providing an extended window of detection. This advanced method benefits employers and legal entities that prioritize accuracy and extensive insight into substance use, ensuring informed decisions.
For those in Tumbling Shoals, AR, seeking a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug habits, hair follicle testing is the ideal solution. Capable of uncovering substance use up to 90 days prior, it provides an in-depth view of patterns over time. This extended detection window aids employers in making informed decisions regarding applicants and employees.
In Tumbling Shoals, AR, the reliability of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched. By significantly lowering the risk of tampered samples, it becomes a trustworthy method for accurate results. Stakeholders benefit from this assurance, knowing that the data is collected under stringent conditions, thus eliminating doubts about authenticity or manipulation.
The convenience of testing locations is evident in Tumbling Shoals, AR, with our extensive network of centers across the country. This ensures easy and rapid access to testing services, eliminating the hassle for individuals seeking hair follicle drug tests. Our streamlined process guarantees a smooth experience, from testing to obtaining the results.
In Tumbling Shoals, AR, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results, we prioritize privacy and user convenience. Clients are assured that their personal information remains confidential, while the process is straightforward and easy to navigate.
In Tumbling Shoals, AR, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. Our efficient turnaround times provide businesses and individuals with quick results, offering excellent value. This approach caters to companies of varying sizes, making reliable testing feasible and cost-effective.
In Tumbling Shoals, AR, hair follicle drug testing stands out for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. Its precision in identifying substance use is unmatched, making it an invaluable tool for various stakeholders who need timely insights into an individual's drug use history. The method's inherent speed in processing samples ensures that decision-makers receive trustworthy data without delay.
Businesses in Tumbling Shoals, AR, gain peace of mind from utilizing hair follicle testing. By ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, it not only mitigates the risk of litigation but also enhances overall safety within the work environment. Employers confidently uphold compliance while fostering a secure atmosphere for their employees.
