Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly viewed as an effective method for detecting substance use. The hair captures a long-term profile of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the keratin of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is collected from near the scalp, it can offer an alcohol and drug detection timeframe of up to about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, adulterating the sample is challenging, and it can be shipped with ease.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a pencil), gives around 100mg of hair, making it an ideal sample for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, special tests, and tests extending beyond 10 panels, a larger sample of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advised. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair can be substituted. By "head hair," we mean only scalp hair. "Body hair" includes other types (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Breakdown
The laboratory drug testing process includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a submitted sample within a laboratory’s systems. This phase ensures the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system may not provide.
Screening is a quick initial assessment to check for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid in court. Samples that return presumptively positive results in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample to be set for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging method to execute.
For confirming any positive results established in Screening, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are applied. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory process spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Strengths of Hair Drug Testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the examination evaluates the hair strand itself rather than the subscalp follicle.
In Buena Vista, AR, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering longer detection windows and greater accuracy. One major advantage is the ability to detect drug use over a 90-day period, compared to the shorter timespan of urine tests.
Hair testing provides superior proof of substance use history, making it invaluable for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies. Contrasted with traditional urine tests, it ensures comprehensive and deeper insights into individuals’ drug habits.
Hair follicle testing in Buena Vista, AR delivers significant advantage by detecting substance use over an extended period. The 90-day window allows employers to make informed decisions by accessing a broader spectrum of an individual’s substance history.
Extended detection capability of hair tests makes them an ideal solution for long-term monitoring of employees’ drug use, contributing towards a safer and more compliant workplace environment.
Buena Vista, AR has embraced hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant characteristics. Hair samples provide a reliable option that substantially minimizes the risk of adulterated samples, ensuring integrity and credibility in results.
With advancements in drug testing, hair follicle tests have proven nearly cheat-proof. This makes it a practical choice in settings where trustworthy results are paramount, ensuring accurate data without sample tampering concerns.
In Buena Vista, AR, accessing hair follicle drug testing is convenient, thanks to nationwide testing locations. Our extensive network ensures swift, hassle-free service for all your drug testing needs, regardless of your location.
Local testing centers offer a seamless process for individuals and businesses alike. With straightforward access to our facilities, the sourcing of test results becomes an uncomplicated task, supporting clients with their specific testing requirements.
Hair follicle testing in Buena Vista, AR assures a simple and confidential process, allaying privacy concerns. From order placement to receiving results, every step is handled discreetly, ensuring ease and assurance.
Simplified processes facilitate stress-free testing experiences, with confidentiality being a top priority. This user-friendly approach empowers clients to access necessary tests without complexity or intrusion, upholding their privacy.
Buena Vista, AR offers competitive pricing on hair follicle tests, making them an affordable choice for companies of all sizes. Quick turnaround times are another advantage, providing value and timely results.
Our pricing strategy ensures accessibility, allowing enterprises to conduct necessary tests without financial strain. Paired with rapid processing, our services cater to urgent requirements effectively and economically, meeting client expectations with precision.
Hair follicle drug tests in Buena Vista, AR offer quick and accurate results, providing a reliable means of detecting substance use. Precision and speed are key attributes of hair testing, offering high accuracy that allows for immediate decisions based on solid data.
Incorporating advanced technology, hair tests have set a benchmark in drug testing reliability. Pioneering detection techniques deliver results with unmatched accuracy, making it the preferred option for many institutions.
Implementing hair follicle testing provides peace of mind to employers by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Buena Vista, AR. This reduces potential legal liabilities and fosters a safer work environment.
Employers benefit greatly from reliable testing methods. By detecting drug use over longer periods, hair tests help maintain a stable workforce, encouraging adherence to company policies and enhancing overall workplace safety.
