Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By incorporating biomarkers into the hair strand, which grows over time, hair captures a comprehensive history of substance intake. When acquired near the scalp, this method can provide an estimated three-month assessment window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair samples are straightforward to obtain, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches in length, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp area, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verifying tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested that the specimen be measured using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair might be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory's database. This step includes confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and handling any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening effectively identifies drug use in most samples, a positive screening needs confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Samples that test as potentially positive during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test as potentially positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexities of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples testing as presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Brentwood, AR, is witnessing a shift where hair follicle testing is preferred over traditional urine tests. The highlight of hair testing is its superior accuracy and incapacity to be easily deceived. Unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection window, hair tests provide a broader screening opportunity. Businesses adopting this method stand to bolster drug policy enforcement with more reliable outcomes, bringing greater assurance and dependability.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Brentwood, AR, is a definitive advantage. Capable of identifying drug use spanning up to 90 days, this method yields employers a detailed insight into an applicant's or employee's history with substances. This longer timeframe is significant, offering a more comprehensive understanding of persistent substance habits, crucial for maintaining workplace standards and safety.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle tests in Brentwood, AR, is their resistance to tampering. Unlike other testing methods that might be susceptible to manipulation, hair tests are steadfast proof of drug use. Their premise lies in their reliability, ensuring that results are authentic and consistent, thereby reducing risks linked with adulterated samples. This feature builds trust among employers and community services concerned with drug use integrity.
Brentwood, AR, is well-served with conveniently located testing centers through our nationwide network. This arrangement guarantees quick, straightforward access to testing services that can be undertaken with minimal hassle. Our facilities support an efficient framework that emphasizes seamless testing procedures and cater to local and national needs, ensuring each client's requirements are met with utmost ease and convenience.
In Brentwood, AR, the process of hair follicle testing shines in its simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering tests to collecting samples and receiving results, the entire procedure is streamlined to handle privacy concerns adeptly. Committing to this easy process allows individuals and employers to conduct necessary testing without the burden of complex logistics, focusing instead on achieving quick and reliable results.
Hair follicle testing in Brentwood, AR, boasts competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, offering outstanding value for companies irrespective of their size. The cost-effective nature of these tests does not detract from their quality, ensuring businesses receive the dual benefits of economic pricing alongside swift and reliable drug testing services, creating a balance of fiscal prudence and operational efficiency.
The efficiency and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Brentwood, AR, provide unmatched accuracy in pinpointing substance use. Their precision ensures that results are both fast and reliable, greatly aiding individuals and entities requiring dependable drug screening methods. Quick analysis means faster decisions, and superior technology enhances the accuracy of outcomes, benefiting both employees and employers alike.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Brentwood, AR, ensures uncompromised compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thus providing peace of mind to employers. By reducing the legal liabilities associated with non-compliance, employers can foster a safer, drug-free work environment. Adherence to these policies not only supports legal conformity but also assures a secure workplace for everyone involved.
