Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a notable method for identifying substance use. Hair captures long-term traces of alcohol and drugs within the strand's fibers as it grows. Samples taken near the scalp can offer a detection timeframe of around three months for substances. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches containing about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will weigh 100mg, which is optimal for analyses, including screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is advisable for measuring the sample. If head hair is not obtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When speaking of head hair, we mean scalp hair, while body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, and so on).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory procedures include the steps of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and manages any outstanding data entries not included in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening provides a preliminary check for misplaced substance use. While it is an economical method for ruling out drug presence in most samples, a positive finding must undergo confirmation to stand in judicial proceedings. Any sample that shows presumptive positive needs follow-up confirmation.
Should a Screening indicate a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging to execute.
Positive Screening outcomes are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before the confirmation stage if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is carried out under the oversight of CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 certifications.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle tests in Cato, AR, have a clear edge over traditional urine tests. The most significant difference lies in their accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests detect drug usage over a more extended period, making them less susceptible to manipulation.
With this advantage, hair tests provide employers with a more reliable assessment tool.
The appeal of hair follicle testing in Cato, AR, lies in its lengthy detection period. Unlike urine tests which offer a short-term view, hair testing can reflect a person's drug use history for up to 90 days. This extended window gives employers a comprehensive perspective of an individual's substance habits, providing an invaluable tool for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, significantly cutting the risk of sample manipulation. In Cato, AR, this method ensures reliable results that stand up to scrutiny, making them the preferred choice for those who require incontestable evidence. Their design and methodology make it difficult, if not impossible, to alter test outcomes, offering peace of mind.
Cato, AR, benefits from convenient access to nationwide testing services by Accredited Drug Testing. The widespread availability of testing centers ensures that testing is quick, simple, and hassle-free. The local availability eliminates the need for extensive travel, enhancing accessibility for all clients.
The process for hair follicle testing in Cato, AR, is straightforward and safeguarded for privacy. The procedure from test order to result reception is uncomplicated, ensuring confidentiality at every step. This concern-free approach guarantees that users find the process both easy and discreet.
Accredited Drug Testing provides hair follicle testing in Cato, AR, at competitive prices with swift result turnaround. This offering ensures excellent value while keeping budget constraints in check. Companies of all sizes benefit from the affordability and speed, enhancing the appeal to organizations requiring efficient and cost-effective solutions.
In Cato, AR, hair follicle drug tests offer rapid and precise results. The advanced methodology ensures high accuracy, reliably detecting substance use. These tests provide a quick turnaround to accommodate urgent needs without compromising on precision.
As a result, employers can confidently move forward with prompt decision-making processes.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Cato, AR, can help employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By aligning with these standards, companies can not only reduce potential legal liabilities but also enhance workplace safety. It brings peace of mind by fostering a secure and compliant working environment.
