Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying substance use. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected from the root, hair provides an estimated three-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. It’s easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the root yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The laboratory assessment of a drug test outcome covers four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. It includes verifying that the sample is sealed and properly transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening provides a preliminary inspection for drug substances. Though a cost-effective strategy for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening do need a follow-up affirmation.
When a sample is suspected to be positive during Screening, additional hair is selected from the original sample for Extraction. At this juncture, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), marking hair drug screening as one of the toughest methods to administer.
Verification of a positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair title and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Collins, AR, hair follicle testing demonstrates why it surpasses urine testing. With better detection accuracy and reliability, hair testing offers a distinct advantage. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests can cover a longer detection period, thus offering a more comprehensive picture of an individual’s substance use history, ensuring employers make well-informed decisions.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Collins, AR, is a crucial benefit for employers. Drugs can be traced back as far as 90 days, offering a thorough overview of an individual's substance usage history. This long detection span assists employers in assessing both applicants and employees effectively, ensuring the workplace remains drug-free and safe.
Hair follicle testing in Collins, AR, significantly minimizes sample tampering. This method ensures the integrity of results by reducing the possibility of adulteration, guaranteeing data that is reliable and unquestionable. The robustness of hair tests provides peace of mind for employers requiring absolute accuracy in drug testing.
Collins, AR, benefits from the convenience of widespread testing locations through our nationwide centers. Access to our services is quick and user-friendly, with provisions for local testing that eliminate hassles and reduce wait times, making it easier than ever to meet one's testing needs efficiently and effectively.
In Collins, AR, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. The procedure for ordering, taking, and receiving results is designed to respect privacy while remaining simple and easy to navigate. Clients can rely on a seamless experience that addresses confidentiality concerns, offering convenience and peace of mind.
Our services in Collins, AR, emphasize affordable pricing alongside fast turnaround times. Businesses of all sizes benefit from our competitive pricing structures, receiving excellent value and peace of mind. Swift result generation ensures that companies maintain operational efficiency without unnecessary delays.
In Collins, AR, hair follicle drug testing stands out for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. The precision of these tests ensures high detection accuracy for substances, surpassing other methods. Hair tests efficiently identify drug presence, providing quick insights into any substance use, making them indispensable for both employers and individuals alike.
Employers in Collins, AR, find compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies becomes straightforward, mitigating legal risks. This testing method not only enhances workplace safety but also offers reassurance to employers, nurturing a secure and productive work environment.
