Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol usage. It provides a comprehensive record of substance use over time by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to manipulate, and hassle-free to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When we talk about head hair, we're specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test processing is comprised of four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s database. It involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. All samples that indicate positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methods to carry out.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies are used to confirm any positive outcomes from Screening. Before confirmation, all samples showing presumptive positives undergo cleansing as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to colloquially as "hair follicle tests," the test itself scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Delight, AR, the edge hair follicle testing holds over urine testing is its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests often identify recent use, hair testing opens a much longer window of identification. This comprehensive capability makes it especially valuable for workplaces and institutions demanding stringent drug use policies. Additionally, the stability of hair samples contributes to reliable findings, enhancing trust in the results.
Hair follicle drug testing in Delight, AR, captures a unique advantage with its extended detection window. Over a period of up to 90 days, these tests offer a thorough view into substance use history. Such prolonged monitoring aids employers in thoroughly evaluating applicants or employees, ensuring they meet organizational standards. The extended window creates a detailed picture of an individual’s potential drug use over time.
The robust nature of hair follicle testing significantly curtails the risk of tampering, making it a preferred choice in Delight, AR. Because hair can store drug traces for months, it’s notably harder for individuals to interfere with results. Laboratories employ strict protocols to ensure the authenticity of hair samples, thereby providing results that are reliable and untainted by external manipulation.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures that accessing our services in Delight, AR, and beyond is seamless through a network of convenient nationwide testing centers. This framework allows individuals and businesses easy entry to drug testing services without hassle. Locally, in Delight, testing can be conducted swiftly, providing peace of mind and convenience in meeting both personal and professional requirements.
In Delight, AR, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be both straightforward and private. From ordering to result reception, each step is cultivated to ensure ease of use and confidentiality. Our commitment to privacy reassures users, ensuring that sensitive data is handled with care and discretion. The entire procedure is crafted to be user-centric, attending to concerns about simplicity and privacy.
Offering Delight, AR, affordable pricing and swift result turnaround for hair follicle testing, Accredited Drug Testing stands out in value. Our competitive rates do not compromise the quality or speed of our services, making it attainable for businesses and individuals alike. The efficient processing time ensures prompt results, supporting quick decision-making processes essential for organizations of various sizes.
In Delight, AR, hair follicle drug testing guarantees swift, precise outcomes. By analyzing the hair, these tests achieve significant accuracy, adeptly identifying past substance use. The speedy results stem from advanced laboratory techniques that rigorously process samples, ensuring reliable and accurate reporting. Equipped with this reliable technology, individuals and employers can trust in the dependable detection of drug use patterns.
In Delight, AR, compliance and reassurance for employers are enhanced through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free work policies, thus reducing possible legal liabilities. By fostering a secure working environment, employers gain peace of mind. Furthermore, opting for hair testing creates a transparent workplace standard that aligns with legal and ethical expectations.