Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair functions as a historical archive of substance intake by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for substances like alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and validation. For tests such as EtG, extensions, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be procured, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. By “head hair,†we refer exclusively to scalp hair. “Body hair†encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step entails verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective measure to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that yield presumptive positives in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is indicative of positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the scalp root
When comparing drug testing methods in Cass, AR, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests. Its superior detection period captures extended substance use, providing a truthful narrative of usage patterns. Employers find hair tests more trustworthy, offering enduring reliability.
The significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Cass, AR, lies in its extended detection period, monitoring drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged timeline equips employers with detailed insights into an individual's substance history, ensuring informed decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Cass, AR, offer a tamper-resistant method that curtails concerns over sample adulteration. Their design ensures dependable and doubt-free results, granting peace of mind to employers relying on authentic drug screening processes.
Access to testing in Cass, AR, is seamless with our nationwide and local centers. This extensive network ensures swift, accessible, and straightforward testing services, alleviating logistical challenges for employees and employers alike.
The straightforward and confidential nature of our hair follicle testing in Cass, AR, addresses privacy and convenience concerns. From ordering to result reception, the process is designed to be easy and secure, prioritizing customer discretion and ease of use.
Companies in Cass, AR, benefit from competitive pricing and expedited turnaround times with our hair follicle testing services. This blend of value and rapid results provides peace of mind, fitting the needs of businesses large and small.
In Cass, AR, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid, precise outcomes. Their accuracy in identifying substance usage is unparalleled. For employers seeking fast, exacting results, hair tests prove their value, offering more reliable detection compared to other methods.
Employers in Cass, AR, gain assurance and compliance by opting for hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal liabilities while enhancing workplace safety and peace of mind.