Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand, hair offers long-term historical data on substance usage. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can show drug and alcohol traces for up to approximately three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to adulteration, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) cut close to the scalp provides 100mg; this quantity is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or panels higher than 10, 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to measure the weight of the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The testing process in a lab involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into the laboratory's system. This phase includes checking if the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While this step is cost-efficient for negating drug use in most samples, positives screens require confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that are considered presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specified specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are removed from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is amongst the most challenging methodologies to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS instruments are used to confirm any positive screening outcomes. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned prior to confirmation as required. The laboratory process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines under the Hair category and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though sometimes termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand itself—not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Clarkedale, AR, several advantages become apparent. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and demonstrates consistent reliability. Furthermore, the longer detection window provided by hair tests offers a more thorough overview of substance use history, unlike the limited scope of urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Clarkedale, AR, provides a significantly extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This capability enables employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, ensuring that informed decisions are made regarding employment and workplace safety. The lengthy detection period is a notable advantage over shorter-term testing methods.
The hair follicle test employed in Clarkedale, AR, offers a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing. By largely eliminating the possibility of sample adulteration, this method guarantees trustworthy results. The reliability of hair testing ensures that the outcomes are free from manipulation, providing unequivocal evidence of drug usage.
Accredited Drug Testing assures convenient access to hair follicle testing with nationwide and local facilities in Clarkedale, AR. Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees a hassle-free experience for individuals seeking drug testing, making the process quick and easy. Whether at home or elsewhere, our services are readily accessible.
Engaging in hair follicle testing in Clarkedale, AR, is a simple and confidential process. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the entire pathway is designed to address privacy and ease of use. Streamlined procedures ensure clients feel secure and confident in their testing experience.
In Clarkedale, AR, Accredited Drug Testing offers hair follicle testing at affordable rates, providing excellent value across all business sizes. Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times strengthen peace of mind for companies, enabling them to uphold workplace standards efficiently and cost-effectively.
In Clarkedale, AR, hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their precision and speed. The high accuracy in identifying substance use ensures that results are both fast and reliable, minimizing the chance for error. This efficient testing method gives employers confidence in the data they receive, helping them make informed decisions.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Clarkedale, AR, offers employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces the risk of legal issues and enhances safety in the workplace. Providing reliable results, hair testing supports employers in maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
