Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of these substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the preferred sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for it to be legally acceptable. Samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening need secondary verification.
If screening indicates a sample may be positive, more hair from the original specimen is prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening remains the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive must be washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Within Viola, AR, hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests. These tests excel in their superior accuracy and provide an extended detection period, making them a reliable choice for employers in search of comprehensive screening methods.
Hair follicle testing in Viola, AR stands out due to its extended detection period, capable of identifying drug use over 90 days. This enables employers to gain a detailed insight into an employee's substance use history, thus better informing employment decisions.
In Viola, AR, hair follicle tests greatly diminish the likelihood of sample tampering. This robust testing method ensures the integrity of the results, providing a reliable option against potential adulteration common in other testing methods.
Enjoy the ease of access to hair follicle testing services around Viola, AR, and nationwide. The widespread availability of our centers ensures that testing is completed quickly and efficiently, making the process seamless and convenient for everyone.
In Viola, AR, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and private. From order to results, every step prioritizes confidentiality and ease of use, allowing clients to partake in testing with no concerns about privacy.
Accredited Drug Testing in Viola, AR offers competitive pricing and quick results for hair follicle tests. This makes our services accessible to companies of all sizes, delivering value alongside efficiency.
Hair follicle drug tests in Viola, AR yield results that are both fast and accurate, offering unparalleled reliability in detecting substance ingestion. The precision of these tests ensures any drug use with lasting evidence is faithfully identified, ensuring the utmost trustworthiness in testing outcomes.
Employers in Viola, AR find peace of mind in hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests minimize legal risks and bolster workplace safety, assuring employers of a compliant work environment.