Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluations have emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's size) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG examinations, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains to scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This phase checks sample sealing and shipping integrity, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial fast check for abuse substances. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for court validity. Samples that are presumptive positives in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at a much reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation of positive screens is done using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
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Note: The assay, often labeled as "hair follicle tests", actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Bellefonte, AR, hair follicle testing stands out over urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. These tests reveal drug use over a more extended period and resist tampering, offering numerous advantages.
Benefits Include:
Hair follicle testing in Bellefonte, AR, boasts an impressive detection timeframe, extending up to 90 days. Employers benefit from understanding comprehensive substance histories of candidates or employees, providing insights into consistent usage patterns.
Benefits:
Discover the tamper-resistant qualities of hair follicle testing in Bellefonte, AR. This method significantly lowers the risk of adulteration, ensuring the results are trustworthy and incontrovertible.
Key Advantages:
Our comprehensive reach offers convenient hair follicle testing locations in Bellefonte, AR, and nationwide. Enjoy the ease and accessibility our services provide.
Features:
The process in Bellefonte, AR, for ordering and completing hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. These measures address privacy concerns and offer a user-friendly experience.
Process Highlights:
In Bellefonte, AR, our hair follicle tests are competitively priced and quickly processed, offering value and reassurance to companies of all sizes.
Advantages:
With the precision of hair follicle drug tests in Bellefonte, AR, you can expect fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. These tests provide a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use, offering unparalleled speed in delivering results.
Advantages include:
In Bellefonte, AR, employers find hair follicle testing instrumental in maintaining compliance and workplace safety. By aligning with drug-free policies, organizations reduce legal risks and foster a secure work environment.
Benefits Include: