Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers providing a prolonged history of substances consumed. When samples are collected near the scalp, they can supply detection for alcohol and other drugs for a timeframe of up to three months. Hair collecting is straightforward, not easy to manipulate, and simple to send.
A sample size of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides a 100mg sample, ideal for initial and confirmatory tests. For analyses like EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not accessible, the equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. References to head hair imply solely scalp hair. Any other hair type such as facial or axillary hair is categorized as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug tests includes four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is processed into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample is securely sealed and dispatched correctly, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is allocated, and any other necessary data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
Screening serves as an initial, rapid check to identify drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Any samples indicative of positive results in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the preliminary sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
In Crocketts Bluff, hair follicle testing offers a superior alternative to conventional urine tests. The key benefits of hair testing include extended detection capabilities and heightened accuracy.
Hair tests have the unique ability to uncover drug use histories, offering detailed insights that urine tests may miss. This makes them a preferred choice for informed decision-making.
For employers in Crocketts Bluff, AR, hair follicle testing serves as a valuable tool in understanding substance histories. By offering a 90-day detection period, this testing method presents a thorough perspective on an individual's past drug use.
This extended window provides employers with comprehensive insights, aiding in informed hiring and employee evaluations.
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Crocketts Bluff stands out due to its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, hair tests remain almost immune to manipulation, ensuring the authenticity of results.
This feature is crucial for maintaining the reliability of test outcomes, offering peace of mind to both employers and individuals alike.
The convenience of nationwide testing facilities in Crocketts Bluff, AR, ensures easy access to hair follicle testing. With locations spread throughout major cities, the process of undergoing a drug test becomes hassle-free and efficient.
This network of testing centers facilitates swift and smooth experiences for participants, no matter their whereabouts.
The process of hair follicle testing in Crocketts Bluff is straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, individuals can expect a seamless experience that prioritizes confidentiality.
This approach allays privacy concerns and ensures the ease of engaging with the testing process, providing a sense of security to all involved.
In Crocketts Bluff, AR, hair follicle testing is both cost-effective and efficient. The competitive pricing structures cater to organizations of varying sizes, while fast turnaround times cement these tests as a valuable asset.
This combination ensures companies benefit from economic solutions and quick results without compromising on quality.
Hair follicle drug tests in Crocketts Bluff promise swift, precise results. These tests excel in detecting even minimal traces of substances, offering unmatched accuracy.
By relying on hair testing, individuals and employers can trust the results, which not only ensure rapid turnaround but also uphold the utmost reliability.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Crocketts Bluff, AR, assures employers of compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. By choosing this method, organizations not only adhere to legal standards but also reinforce safety and trust within the work environment.
This testing approach significantly lowers legal risks and cultivates peace of mind for employers.