Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling has emerged as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair shaft captures biomarkers as it grows, offering a lengthy record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair delivers roughly a three-month timeframe for detection of alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches in length, containing around 200 strands resembling the circumference of a #2 pencil, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of specimen is advised. We suggest assessing the specimen's weight using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. Only scalp hair is referred to when mentioning head hair. Conversely, body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial treatment of a sample within a lab's protocol. It ensures proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid analysis for drug substances. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with potential positive Screening results need further confirmation.
If the Screening stage yields a potential positive, additional hair is utilized from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drug components are isolated from hair at much lesser concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most intricate technique.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to necessary confirmation. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly mislabeled as "hair follicle tests", the process actually examines the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug detection methods in Cherokee Village, AR, hair follicle tests outshine urine tests due to their enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. This testing method captures a broader spectrum of substance use history, providing a thorough evaluation.
The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Cherokee Village, AR, enables substance use detection over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This offers employers a detailed overview of an individual's drug use history, essential for informed decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Cherokee Village, AR, present a remarkable defense against sample adulteration. This method reduces tampering risks significantly, delivering dependable and indisputable test outcomes.
Cherokee Village, AR, enjoys the convenience of nationwide testing centers which provide easy accessibility to hair follicle testing services. The local presence enhances quick and efficient testing experiences.
In Cherokee Village, AR, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. The order, collection, and result phases are designed to uphold privacy, making the entire procedure user-friendly.
Our services in Cherokee Village, AR, emphasize affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, ensuring great value and peace of mind for businesses, regardless of size.
In Cherokee Village, AR, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their precision and swift turnarounds. With an emphasis on high accuracy in substance detection, these tests offer fast and trustworthy results, ensuring reliability.
Employers in Cherokee Village, AR benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. This testing not only diminishes legal jeopardies but also fosters a safer work environment.